More evidence of our broken system
There’s a new study out showing African-Americans are far more likely to die of colon cancer than whites. Why? Because whites are more likely to have health insurance. They’re more likely to have jobs that offer coverage that includes colonoscopies.
If Mike had had access to a colonoscopy, he’d still be alive. Instesad he is one of 49,000 people to die of colon cancer in 2008.
So far, 26 states have enacted laws forcing insurance companies to pay for colon cancer screenings. But you still need insurance. And in 24 states, your insurance company can tell you it won’t pay for a colonoscopy unless it’s to diagnose an existing problem.
Of course, you can get around that by complaining of abdominal pain and unexplained diarrhea or constipation and having your doctor order one to diagnose the problem. It could save your life.
Here’s more on the study from an article in US News & World Report:
The Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2010 report — the second edition of a report first issued in 2005 found that colorectal cancer incidence and deaths continue to decrease among both blacks and whites, but rates remain higher and declines have been slower among blacks. In fact, the gap between blacks and whites has actually increased over the past few years, the report said.
For example, the previous report found the colorectal cancer incidence rate was 63.1 per 100,000 among white men and 72.9 per 100,000 among black men, a difference of 9.8. The new report said the incidence rate is now 58.9 per 100,000 among white men and 71.2 per 100,000 among black men, a difference of 12.3.
In 2008, an estimated 148,800 people in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 49,000 will die of the disease, which is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in the country, according to the American Cancer Society.
Many of those cancers and deaths could be prevented through more widespread use of cancer prevention methods and by increasing access to screening tests.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a new peer support program for people newly diagnosed with chronic or serious illness or with a new disability and their caregivers.
Patient Pals are people who have experience with various illnesses and disabilities, who can help someone newly diagnosed or with a new disability work through the fear, frustration, confusion and grief often experienced in the first few months.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
People with new illness or disability fare better when they have a role model -- someone who can help them negotiate their new path in life.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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