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Prevention: Fecal Occult Blood Test
Fecal occult blood tests are an effective way to detect colorectal cancer, improving the likelihood of early diagnosis, optimal treatment, and recovery. In the 2003 NHDR, racial disparities in diagnosis of late-stage colorectal cancer were observed.
Figure 4.35. Elderly Medicare beneficiaries with a home fecal occult blood test within the last 2 years by race, ethnicity, and income, 2000 and 2002
[D] Select for Full Text Description.
Key: API = Asian or Pacific Islander.
Source: Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, 2000, 2002.
Reference population: Medicare beneficiaries age 65 or older living in the community.
Note: See Figure 4.25 of the 2004 NHDR and accompanying text for information on elderly Medicare beneficiaries with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in 2000.
- In both 2000 and 2002, the percentage of elderly Medicare beneficiaries with a home fecal occult blood test within the last 2 years was lower among Blacks compared with Whites and among poor and near poor beneficiaries compared with high income beneficiaries (Figure 4.35).
- In 2002 the percentage was also lower among middle income beneficiaries compared with high income beneficiaries. Significant differences were not observed for any other population group.
- From 2000 to 2002 the percentage did not change significantly for any population group.
- In 2002, the Healthy People 2010 goal of 50% of Americans with a fecal occult blood test within the last 2 years was not achieved by any population group.