Increasing the use of aspirin, colorectal cancer screening, influenza immunizations, and a few other simple preventive measures would save more than 100,000 lives each year in the United States, according to a new study.
The biggest lifesaver identified in the study is aspirin. Researchers found that an additional 45,000 lives could be saved each year if the portion of adults who take aspirin daily to prevent heart disease was increased to 90%. As of 2005, about 40% of men aged 40 and older and women aged 50 and older reported daily aspirin use.
Counseling on smoking cessation would also have a significant impact. An additional 42,000 lives could be saved each year if 90% of smokers were advised to quit by their physician or health care provider and offered medication or other assistance. In addition, immunizing 90% of adults aged 50 and older against influenza each year would save about 12,000 lives.
Screening and early detection of disease is also a potential lifesaver for thousands of Americans, the study found. Nearly 4,000 lives could be saved annually if 90% of women aged 40 and older were screened for breast cancer in the past 2 years. And 14,000 lives could be saved annually if 90% of adults aged 50 and older were up to date with recommended screening for colorectal cancer.
The study was conducted by researchers from the Partnership for Prevention, HealthPartners Research Foundation, and the National Commission on Prevention Priorities. The effort was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the WellPoint Foundation.
Although these actions seem simple, the United States is falling short on most of these benchmarks. Among the 12 preventive services analyzed in the report, 7 are received by about 50% or less of the individuals who need them.
But the biggest shortfalls in preventive care occur among racial and ethnic minorities. For example, Hispanics have a lower level of utilization for 10 preventive services analyzed in the report, compared with both non-Hispanic whites and African Americans. Asian Americans are also getting fewer preventive services. This group had the lowest rates of aspirin use, as well as of screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer.
The full report is available online at www.prevent.org