Americans Cutting Back on Healthcare

More and more Americans are cutting back on healthcare due to the recession, according to a new study by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Sunday, June 28th 2009, 11:13 pm

By: News 9


By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- More and more Americans are cutting back on healthcare due to the recession, according to a new study by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Health experts said frugal healthcare among Americans could create serious problems down the road.

The new study showed there is a general cut back on preventative care, follow-up visits and refilling medication.

J.T. Poe said she is refusing to be one of those statistics. Poe was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005 after she found a lump in her breast. She said in the last few years the fight against breast cancer has been an eye-opener.

"It's so important to get it checked out immediately," Poe said.

But getting checked out is not a top priority for many Americans, according to a national survey. The results showed more and more patients are holding off or canceling preventative screenings such as pap smears, colonoscopies and mammograms. Ninety percent of doctors reported their "patients have concern over paying for their health care needs."

"I feel very bad and sad for people who have to do this. I just hope the economy gets better," said Dr. Lubna Wani with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

Wani said frugal healthcare has become a prevalent problem and that worries over the economy are bringing more patients into her clinic for health screening.

"People are getting more conscious with the economy. Some of them are afraid they'd loose their insurance, and they want to get a physical before that happens," Wani said.

She said preventative tests have and can save many lives. Poe said she is a true testament to that.

"If I hadn't gone to the doctor when I found my lump, I wouldn't be here today. I've got two young children that I couldn't imagine them being without me, but it could've happened and it nearly did," Poe said.

Poe is now cancer free and is getting married in the fall.

Find a young women cancer survivors support group

Free clinical breast exam, mammogram and pap smear:
1.888.669.5934 toll free
405.271.4072 OKC
David Mena (para Espanol)

1.877.458.4491 Cherokee Nation

1.580.362.1039 Kaw Nation
Lana Nelson (x228)

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