Cancer in Kentucky- screenings matter
Kentucky has one of the worst cancer mortality rates in the country. There are a number of factors contributing to this and a lot of work is needed to improve the situation. Lung, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer represent a large portion of cancer deaths in Kentucky. All four of these types have evidence-based preventative interventions and early detection strategies. One way to reduce Kentucky's cancer burden and save lives is to increase the proportion of adults who receive appropriate cancer screenings.
Screening tests can find cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have grown and spread, making it more difficult to treat.
Unfortunately, there are many barriers that prevent people from getting their recommended cancer screenings. These include:
Cost: People who are uninsured may not be able to afford the cancer screening. Even copays and out-of-pocket costs can be barriers for people with health insurance.
Location and hours: Some people don’t live near medical offices, making it more difficult to get a cancer screening. And many of the locations are only open during traditional workday hours.
Transportation: The cost of gas or having to rely on public transportation could also be reasons someone delays getting cancer screenings.
Time off: Many Kentuckians live paycheck to paycheck. So, if their job doesn’t include paid time off for a doctor’s visit, they are forced to choose between getting the cancer screening or working to support themselves and their families.
Because of the early detection made possible from screenings, mitigating these barriers should improve Kentucky’s cancer mortality rate over time. There are other policies that can help too. For example, the Kentucky General Assembly recently passed a bill establishing biomarker-testing coverage requirements for health-benefit plans. Biomarker testing is personal to a patient and their cancer. It allows precise targeting so patients can potentially avoid generalized treatments like chemo and radiation that might not work as well for them, while finding what will.
Learn more about other efforts to reduce the cancer burden in the Commonwealth: Kentucky Cancer Consortium.
Before having any screening test, people should discuss the test with their doctor or other health care provider.
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