Study: 5 Things to Save 100,000 Lives Each Year

A new study argues that increasing the frequency of 5 preventative services would save 100,000 lives annually. This study was undertaken by the Partnership for Prevention. 45,000 lives would be saved each year if more adults took a low-dose of aspirin daily to prevent heart disease. The study further found serious deficiencies in Americans use of preventative care, particularly among certain minority groups.

Eduardo Sanchez, MD, MPH, and Chair of the National Commission on Preventative Priorities said this concerning preventative services, "A lot of Americans are not getting live-saving preventive services, particularly racial and ethnic minorities. As a result, too many people are dying prematurely or living with diseases that could have been prevented. We could get much better value for our health care dollar by focusing upstream on prevention."

It is true that when a disease is discovered, most individuals will go to any length in time and money to fix the problem. Diets are changed dramatically, money is spent in the thousands, and people seek any method to improve their health and rid their bodies of disease. The findings of this study, however, suggest that more effort should be focused on prevention now, reducing the need for treatment later.

Notable findings in the study revealed simple ways in which individuals can maintain their health for longer periods of time. According to the study, 42,000 additional lives would be saved if we increased to 90% the portion of smokers who are advised by a health professional to quit. Today, only 28% of smokers receive such services. 14,000 lives would be saved annually if we increased to 90% the adults over age 50 that are up to date on all recommended cancer screenings. Today, only 50% of adults over age 50 in the U.S. are said to be up to date in cancer screenings.

Further, thousands of lives would be saved by increasing the percentage of individuals who are immunized against influenza, screened more regularly for breast cancer and screened more often for sexually transmitted diseases.

Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated, "This report illustrates that the health benefits would be great if more people took preventive actions. More illnesses would be avoided, fewer lives would be lost, and there would be more efficient use of our limited health care resources. It's important that all of us make a concerted attempt to focus our energies and efforts on preventing diseases, not just treating them."

Additionally, the study claims that African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans use preventative measures at a far lower rate than the while, non-Hispanic population in the U.S. These individuals can also prevent thousands of deaths each year by improving their use to preventative care.

If we can prevent deaths each year, we should do it. It is difficult to say how many individuals don't use preventative care because of their inability to access it. However, this study suggests that those who do have access should regularly screen themselves against possible diseases. Any who don't have the access to this care they believe they need should raise their voices and do all they can.

Sources:

PR Newswire Press Release, http://media.prnewswire.com/en/jsp/latest.jsp?beat=BEAT_ALL&view=LATEST&resourceid=3531137

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website, http://www.cdc.gov/