How to boost colon screening rates; CDC funding stiffs VC

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

A study released today explores several of the factors that lead to higher colorectal cancer screening rates, according to an article by international editor Eric Barnes in our Virtual Colonoscopy Digital Community.

Public health advocates have been trying to boost screening compliance rates as a way to reduce the toll of colon cancer in the U.S., where the disease kills nearly 50,000 people a year. Texas researchers found that individuals with health insurance coverage, and those who regularly visited a doctor, were most likely to get screened.

But there could be a downside to higher screening compliance rates, the researchers said. Find out what it is by clicking here.

In other news, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week announced $22 million in grants to fund colorectal screening among low-income groups. That's the good news. The bad news is that the funding will not pay for virtual colonoscopy studies. Learn more by clicking here.

Finally, learn about a study that indicates that where a patient lives may affect their chances of surviving colon cancer. For more stories like these, visit our Virtual Colonoscopy Digital Community at vc.auntminnie.com.