CDC researchers used a mathematical model and found 5.1 million to 13 million colonoscopies would need to be conducted annually to meet the goal. Then, using survey data from facilities that offer colonoscopies, they found that 15 million colonoscopies were preformed in the U.S. in 2012, and the system has the capacity to perform 10.5 million more.
“Screening saves lives. The good news is that our modeling shows that the U.S. healthcare system has the potential to meet our national goal of screening 80 percent of adults ages 50-75,” said Djenaba Joseph, MD, medical director of the CDC’s colorectal cancer control program and a lead author of the study.
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S. Screening can help find colorectal cancer early on, or can even find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before cancer even starts to grow.
More articles on cancer:
IMS Health study: Global market for cancer treatments grows to $107B in 2015
Study: Less restrictive diet superior to clear liquids before colonoscopy
Chronic hepatitis B treatment may increase risk of colorectal, cervical cancer
