A population‐based study of colorectal cancer test use
- 25 October 2004
- Vol. 101 (11), 2523-2532
- https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.20692
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research has supported the use of colorectal cancer (CRC) tests to reduce disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. A new health survey has provided an opportunity to examine the use of these tests in California's ethnically diverse population. The authors used the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001) to evaluate 1) rates of CRC test use, 2) predictors of the receipt of tests, and 3) reasons for nonuse of CRC tests. METHODS The CHIS 2001 is a random‐digit dial telephone survey that was conducted in California. Responses were analyzed from 22,343 adults age ≥ 50 years. CRC test use was defined as receipt of a fecal occult blood test in the past year and/or receipt of an endoscopic examination in the past 5 years. RESULTS Nearly 54% of California adults reported receipt of a recent CRC test. Insurance coverage and having a usual source of care were the most important predictors of CRC testing. Latinos age < 65 years were less likely to be tested than whites (relative risk [RR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.77–0.92). Men were more likely to be tested than women, an effect that was greater among individuals age 50–64 years (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.23–1.32) than among individuals age ≥ 65 years (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.15–1.23). Women were more likely than men to say that their physician did not inform them the test was needed and that CRC tests were painful or embarrassing. CONCLUSIONS Results of the current study indicate a need for physicians to recommend CRC testing to their patients. Assuring that all individuals have both health insurance and a usual source of care would help address gaps in the receipt of CRC tests. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.Keywords
This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Patient and provider barriers to colorectal cancer screening in the primary care safety-netPreventive Medicine, 2004
- Colorectal cancer screening, 1997–1999: role of income, insurance and policyPreventive Medicine, 2004
- Patterns and predictors of colorectal cancer test use in the adult U.S. populationCancer, 2004
- Barriers to colorectal cancer screening in rural primary carePreventive Medicine, 2004
- Progress in cancer screening practices in the United StatesCancer, 2003
- Access to Medical Care for Low-Income Persons: How do Communities Make a Difference?Medical Care Research and Review, 2002
- Influence of usual source of care on differences by race/ethnicity in receipt of preventive servicesJournal of General Internal Medicine, 2002
- Comparison of utilization of preventive health care services between two racial populationsAnnals of Epidemiology, 2000
- Colorectal cancer screening participation by older womenAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2000
- The Association Between Health Care Coverage and the Use of Cancer Screening TestsMedical Care, 1998