By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online. Cancer Prevention Efforts Stalling (April 27, 2008) - Many of the preventative and health efforts that have helped lower the number of cancer deaths seem to have hit a wall. A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) says that drops in smoking (Read about "Quit Smoking") appear to have leveled off and that mammography (Read about "Breast Cancer") rates have been stable or slightly declining since 2000 after increasing for more than a decade. Although rates of colorectal cancer screening (Read about "Colorectal Cancer") are increasing, these life-saving tests are still not reaching a substantial part of the population. The report also notes the role of access to care, pointing out that individuals without health insurance are much less likely to receive mammography and colorectal cancer screening than those with health insurance and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of cancer, when treatment is more expensive and survival rates are much lower. Below are highlights from this year's report. Tobacco About 20.8 percent of adults and 23 percent of high school students currently smoke. The prevalence of smoking in high school students leveled off from 2003-2005 after declining from 1997 to 2003. Between 1997 and 2004, the percentage of adults who smoke decreased in both men and women, but in the past two years, these rates are essentially unchanged at 23.9 percent in men and 18.0 percent in women, as of 2006. Early Detection Only 51.2 percent of women aged 40 and older reported having a mammogram within the past year. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women starting at age 40. Mammography rates appear to be stable or slightly declining after increasing for over a decade. In 2005, 66.5 percent of women reported having a mammogram in the past 2 years, which was 4 percentage points lower than 2000 levels. The lowest prevalence of mammography use occurred among women who lack health insurance, followed by immigrant women who have lived in the US for less than 10 years. Although utilization is improving, colorectal cancer screening prevalence continues to lag behind use of other cancer screening tests. Between 2000 and 2005, the use of colorectal cancer screening among U.S. adults aged 50 and older increased from 42.5 percent to 46.8 percent. Obesity and Overweight Approximately two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese; the rise in obesity appears to have leveled-off between 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, with 34 percent of men and 36.4 percent of women meeting the criteria for obesity in 2005-2006. (Read about "Obesity") In the past 20 years, overweight prevalence among U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 19 more than tripled, from 5 percent to 17.1 percent. Increases have occurred across race, ethnicity, and gender UV radiation and protection behaviors More than two-thirds (68.7 percent) of youth reported getting sunburned during summer months. Sunburn rates were higher in youth with the most sensitive skin type (84.5 percent) and in girls (71.5 percent). (Read about "Children & Sun") In a national 2004 survey, about one-third of adolescents aged 11 to 18 years reported using sunscreen (Read about "Sunscreen") always or often during the past summer and only 20 percent protected themselves always or often by seeking the shade; even fewer (10 percent) used protective clothing (long sleeves or pants) regularly. In a national 2005 survey of adults, 28.3 percent reported always or often using sunscreen when outside for an hour or more on a sunny day, and 43.4 percent reported seeking shade. Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns. © Concept Communications Media Group LLC Online health topics reviewed/modified in 2008 | Terms of Use/Privacy Policy By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.