The report also looked at disparities in cancer diagnosis. It found that in most states, Black and Hispanic people were less likely than white people to be diagnosed with cancer through screenings.
In a statement, NORC said that the report “highlights the need for policies and programs to ensure that communities of color are able to access and benefit from cancer-screening services.”
A new report from the nonprofit research organization NORC at the University of Chicago finds that of all cancer cases in the United States, only 14.1% are diagnosed through recommended screening tests. The report, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and is based on 2017 data, suggests that screenings detect 61% of breast cancers, 52% of cervical cancers, 45% of colorectal cancers, and 3% of lung cancers. The report also found that 77% of prostate cancers are diagnosed through screenings, although screening for prostate cancer is not widely recommended.
The report went on to explore disparities in cancer diagnosis. It found that in most states, Black and Hispanic people were less likely than white people to be diagnosed with cancer through screenings. In response to this, NORC released a statement, saying that “the report highlights the need for policies and programs to ensure that communities of color are able to access and benefit from cancer-screening services.”
The authors of the report also expressed concern that the number of cancer screenings has decreased since 2017, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know that people missed a tremendous number of recommended screenings, and we are seeing those cancers showing up at later stages in clinical settings,” said Caroline Pearson, an author of the report and senior vice president at the organization.
In conclusion, the report from NORC at the University of Chicago found that only 14.1% of cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed through recommended screening tests, and that Black and Hispanic people are less likely than white people to be diagnosed with cancer through screenings. The report has raised concerns that the number of cancer screenings has decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has called for policies and programs to ensure that all communities are able to access and benefit from cancer-screening services.