Coloradans living in poverty were less likely to survive cancer, the state health department reported Thursday.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s report, shows low-income Coloradans were less likely to get screened for cancer or be diagnosed at an early stage when most cancers are treatable.
About 70 percent of Coloradans living in low-poverty areas survived cancer for at least five years, compared with 55 percent for those who lived in areas of high poverty.
Lack of health insurance is a barrier to early diagnosis, treatment and survival, the report says.
“We know early screening saves lives,” director Dr. Larry Wolk said in a statement. “This report shows the importance of ensuring health care access to all Coloradans.”
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Colorado, killing more than 7,000 people each year.
Electa Draper: 303-954-1276, edraper@denverpost.com or twitter.com/electadraper
