NYT colorectal cancer article draws sharp response from ACR
The American College of Radiology (ACR) issued a statement urging Americans ages 50 and older, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, to get recommended screening after a June 1 New York Times article singled out colonoscopies as a case study of why U.S. healthcare costs so much.
The New York Times article suggested some colonoscopy screenings are being done for profit, leading to an average colonoscopy cost of over $1,100 in the U.S., well above the cost in other countries. The ACR stressed, however, that concerns raised in the article should not lead people to forego screenings.
“Colorectal cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and leading causes of cancer death in the U.S.,” read the statement. “While the ACR recognizes the need to conserve precious health care resources, the College also recognizes the fact that regular colorectal cancer screening saves lives.”
The ACR also advocated for more colorectal cancer screening choices, including CT colonography.
To view the colorectal cancer screening methods recommended by the American Cancer Society, click here.
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.