Cancer screenings are promoted by many experts as a way to cut related deaths, especially for breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

But over the last decade the number of people seeking those screenings has dropped.

Community Hospital in Grand Junction says most people don't view cancer screenings as a priority.  As the local economy struggles, fewer people are choosing to get screened.

Doctors there, along with the American Cancer Society, agree that confusion may be one of the biggest reasons for declining numbers.

 “With time the recommendations change. Patients are confused and not really sure when they should get their screening,” Chief medical officer, Dr. Donald Nicolay, said. “When patients are a little bit confused they tend not to get the screening.”

Community Hospital urges people to ask their doctor when they should be screened, saying detecting cancer early pays off in the long run.

For other recommendations on when to get cancer screenings go to cancer.org.