CDC Urges More Cancer Screening

7/8/2010

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are highlighting new data showing that more Americans are getting screened for two of the deadliest forms of cancer - but there are still millions who have yet to take this potentially life-saving step.

The CDC data released this week focused on colorectal cancer and breast cancer screenings. The federal agency noted that colorectal cancer kills more non-smokers each year than any other type of the disease, while breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women.

According to the CDC, 63 percent of the public was screened for colorectal cancer in 2008, compared to just 52 percent in 2002. The number of women getting mammograms has also increased during that time, although the CDC noted that about 7 million American women aged 60 to 74 have not had a recent one.

CDC Director Thomas Frieden called the latest results "encouraging," but added that "we have more to do."

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