A recent research study found links between insurance coverage, ethnicity and a cancer diagnosis. Those who are uninsured and those who are covered by a Medicaid insurance plan often do not receive a diagnosis until the condition has reached the point of an advanced stage cancer. Twelve common cancer sites were studied: breast [female], colorectal, kidney, lung, melanoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovary, pancreas, prostate, urinary bladder, uterus and thyroid.
Uninsured and Medicaid-insured patients were significantly more likely to present with advanced-stage cancer compared with privately insured patients. Also more African-Americans were found to receive a later stage diagnosis. This finding was most prominent for patients who had cancers that can potentially be detected early by screening or symptom assessment. (full study here)
What If You Are Uninsured?
If you are uninsured take advantage of free cancer screenings. Many hospitals and clinics offer free screening services throughout the year or at annual health fairs.
Make health an enthusiastic priority. Many cancers develop over a 10 -20 year period. An interesting fact about the body is that our cells renew every seven years.
Learn about the symptoms and behaviors that lead to cancer.
Be Well.
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