Cancer screening test use - United States, 2013

Abstract

Regular breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with timely and appropriate follow-up and treatment reduces deaths from these cancers. Healthy People 2020 targets for cancer screening test use have been established, based on the most recent U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data are used to monitor progress toward the targets. CDC used the 2013 NHIS, the most recent data available, to examine breast, cervical, and CRC screening use. Although some demographic subgroups attained targets, screening use overall was below the targets with no improvements from 2010 to 2013 in breast, cervical, or CRC screening use. Cervical cancer screening declined from 2010 to 2013. Increased efforts are needed to achieve targets and reduce screening disparities.

FIGURE

Percentage of adults up-to-date with screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers by test, sex, and year — United States 2000–2013 Abbreviations: CRC = colorectal cancer; Pap = Papanicolaou. Source: National Health Interview Survey, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, and 2013. ^* Among women aged 21–65 years with no previous hysterectomy. Pap test data for 2003 were excluded because hysterectomy status was not ascertained in that year. ^† Among women aged 50–74 years. ^§ Among persons aged 50–75 years.