A recent review of the healthcare system by the Health and Human Services Department has laid bare the system’s successes and weaknesses. Results showed that the highest death rates for cancer are found in blacks and low-income Americans. This is thought to be because such populations are less likely to be screened for certain cancer and less likely to take benefit of preventative services. The study also unearthed several other problems, for example:
- Children under 4 who are poor or black are significantly less likely to receive immunizations.
- Less than 50% of acute heart attack patients who smoke receive smoking cessation counseling while in hospital.
- Whereas 90% of adults 45 and older regularly have their blood pressure checked, just 25% of people with high blood pressure have it under control.
However, not all of the study results were bad news. The number of women who attend screening for breast and cervical cancers has improved. 70% of women aged 40 and over were screened for breast cancer within the last two years, and 81% of women aged 18 and have been screened for cervical cancer within the last three years. Results also showed that nearly 90% of in-center kidney dialysis patients are receiving adequate dialysis, and that roughly 83% of women receive prenatal care in their first trimester. Human Health and Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said of the findings: “It shows us where we have more work to do and how we can make sure that all Americans benefit from scientific advances and technological innovations.”
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.ap.org on the 23rd December 2003.
