Too few Americans being screened for cancer

One thing is for certain: early cancer detection saves lives. Yet, according to a new study from the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov, too few Americans are being screened for cancers.

The study found the lack of screening was associated with not having a primary care physician, being uninsured, and not having annual doctor visits. People struggling with poverty and minorities were also less likely to receive cancer screenings.

The cancer care team at Sacred Heart Cancer Center emphasizes the importance of these three things to ensure you're receiving the necessary screenings:

• Find a primary care physician who trust.
• Know your family history: First degree familial cancer diagnoses increase your risk of cancer and other diseases – don't believe the myths that certain illnesses skip generations.
• Work with your physician to ensure you're receiving the right screenings at the right age – even if you don't have any symptoms. The American Cancer Society has detailed guidelines for cancer screenings by age.

Screening gives you the best chance of finding cancer as early as possible — before it has spread.

To find a primary care physician at Sacred Heart Medical Group, call 850-416-7337 or visit www.getsacredheartcare.com.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Too few Americans being screened for cancer