| A new federal report finds that West Virginia has the highest death rate in the country for colon cancer, the second-most common form of cancer.
The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, says, about 22 West Virginians per 100,000 die every year from colorectal cancer, compared to the national average of about 18.
Doctors and health advocates say West Virginia's higher death rate is because of low screening rates.
Doctor Wade Douglas of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center in Huntington said people who live in rural areas in particular have a difficult time getting access to diagnostic and treatment services.
Douglas said another problem is insurance. A colonoscopy usually costs about $1,500, which can be too expensive for people without health insurance.
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