Missouri's Colorectal Cancer Screening Gap

Cancer is a major health issue in the United States. It is the second leading cause of death. One type of cancer that can be caught early is colorectal cancer. Screening tests can find this cancer early. They can also stop it from developing by removing precancerous polyps. The goal is to have 68. 3% of people aged 50-75 up-to-date on these screenings by 2030. However, in Missouri, only 36. 5% of patients in federally qualified health centers are current on their screenings. This is a significant gap. There are three main types of screening tests used in the United States. Two are stool tests done at home. These are the fecal immunochemical test and the FIT-DNA test, like Cologuard. The third type is a colonoscopy, which is done at a medical center. These tests are crucial for catching colorectal cancer early. They can also prevent it from developing in the first place. The gap in screening rates is a concern. It means that many people are not getting the preventive care they need. This could lead to more cases of colorectal cancer going undetected until it's too late. It's important to understand why this gap exists. Is it due to lack of access to healthcare? Or perhaps it's a lack of awareness about the importance of screening? Or maybe it's something else entirely. One possible reason for the gap could be the type of screening test used. Some people might prefer the convenience of home stool tests. Others might feel more comfortable with a colonoscopy. It's also possible that cost plays a role. Some tests might be more affordable than others. Understanding these factors can help improve screening rates. It can also help ensure that more people get the preventive care they need. Another factor to consider is the role of healthcare providers. They play a crucial role in encouraging patients to get screened. They can provide information about the different types of tests. They can also help patients understand the importance of screening. However, they might face challenges in doing so. For example, they might have limited time with each patient. They might also lack resources to provide comprehensive information. It's clear that more needs to be done to close the screening gap. This could involve increasing awareness about the importance of screening. It could also involve making screening tests more accessible and affordable. Additionally, healthcare providers need support to encourage their patients to get screened. By addressing these issues, it's possible to improve screening rates. This can help catch colorectal cancer early and prevent it from developing in the first place.