Colon Cancer Screening Initiative

NIH panel seeks ways to increase colorectal cancer screening rates.
The AP (2/15, Neergaard) reported that the National Institutes of Health convened a panel of specialists to examine colorectal cancer screening programs at Kaiser Permanente and the Veterans Affairs health system "for clues to what might encourage more people to get screened." The panel found that "colonoscopies...now account for 80 percent of all screening," but it "concluded that people should pick the screening option best for their own needs and comfort," including "the new virtual colonoscopy, a new X-ray exam offered in only limited places." The panel also "urged eliminating financial barriers" to screening. While "Medicare pays for colorectal screening...for people 65 and older," the CDC is funding "free screening for low-income 50- to 64-year-olds" in 22 states.