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Colon Cancer Screenings Not Being Followed by Most Doctors

The diagnosis of colon cancer can leave an individual unable to continue working for an extended period of time, particularly if their treatment regimen is particularly aggressive and causes them to experience weakness, illness and exhaustion. Disabilities that prevent an individual from working may be covered by Social Security disability benefits.

A new report, published in the October 14 online edition of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, provides some surprising results. Colon cancer screenings are not being followed by most doctors. In fact, only 1 in 5 doctors in the United States follow colon cancer screening guidelines. The report also indicates that just 40% of doctors follow some of the guidelines.

These recommended colon cancer screenings indicate when a patient should first be screened and how often. While the doctors who participated in the survey understood the age at which patients should be tested and how often, only 19% followed the guidelines for the variety of tests that are recommended.

In addition, some of the tests used for screening were either underused or overused. One of the most expensive screening tests are colonoscopies, however, doctors were using these more often than necessary.

As the use of electronic health records increases, it is believed that more doctors will begin to adhere to colon cancer screening guidelines.

If your medical condition has made it impossible for you to continue working, contact a Social Security disability attorney to learn about what you can do to protect your Social Security disability benefits application.

Get a FREE Social Security disability guide and avoid the common mistakes many claimants make during their application or appeal. If you or your loved is suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, contact The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. 1-888-234-5758.