The NY Times June 1 article about the cost of colonoscopies ( ignores important facts about the value of treating colon cancer American style.
The percent and absolute number of colonoscopies and other procedures performed on colon cancer patients in hospitals has declined. Also, the length of hospital stays and number of in hospital deaths have fallen by 30 percent. Indeed, colon cancer treatment costs in America are growing more slowly than in Europe.
Yet, over the past 30 years, death from colon cancer has declined faster in America than in Europe. Nearly 65 percent of all Americans will live 5 years or longer with colon cancer compared to 59 percent of Europeans.
The difference? Americans get screened and treated faster with newer medicines and diagnostics. The way to saving money and lives is faster innovation, not more regulation.
The percent and absolute number of colonoscopies and other procedures performed on colon cancer patients in hospitals has declined. Also, the length of hospital stays and number of in hospital deaths have fallen by 30 percent. Indeed, colon cancer treatment costs in America are growing more slowly than in Europe.
Yet, over the past 30 years, death from colon cancer has declined faster in America than in Europe. Nearly 65 percent of all Americans will live 5 years or longer with colon cancer compared to 59 percent of Europeans.
The difference? Americans get screened and treated faster with newer medicines and diagnostics. The way to saving money and lives is faster innovation, not more regulation.
