Most Americans don't get preventive healthcare

Mon May 22, 3:57 PM ET

Many Americans are failing to get the preventive medical care that could help them live longer, healthier lives, according to a new study.
Preventive measures, like a daily dose of aspirin, colon cancer screening and smoking-cessation therapy, are all effective ways to save lives and healthcare dollars, but fewer than half of Americans who need these services are getting them, the study found.
The findings, published online by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, are based on an analysis of more than 8,000 previously published studies. Researchers with the non-profit groups Partnership for Prevention and HealthPartners Research Foundation ranked 25 recommended preventive services according to their potential health benefits and medical-cost savings.

SOURCE: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, online May 16, 2006.