Cancer Screenings Cost the U.S. $43 Billion Annually
FDA Approves New Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer
Study Highlights Importance of Early Detection, but Raises Concerns About Cost
The United States spends an estimated $43 billion annually on cancer screenings, according to a new study published in The New York Times. The study, which is one of the most comprehensive estimates of the cost of cancer screening in the U.S., found that the vast majority of this spending goes towards screening for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers.
The study also found that the cost of cancer screening has been increasing steadily in recent years, due in part to the increasing use of more expensive screening tests, such as MRI and CT scans. The study also found that the cost of cancer screening is not evenly distributed across the population, with low-income and uninsured individuals being less likely to receive recommended screenings.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of early detection in cancer prevention, but also raise concerns about the cost of cancer screening. The study authors call for more research into the cost-effectiveness of different screening tests and for policies that make cancer screening more affordable for all Americans.
In a related development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday approved a new blood test to detect colorectal cancer in individuals age 45 and older. The test, which is called the Cologuard, is the first non-invasive test approved by the FDA for detecting colorectal cancer. The test is expected to increase the number of people who get screened for colorectal cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
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