BACKGROUND: Although effective screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) exists, only 37% of incident CRC are diagnosed at a localized stage at which treatment is effective. We identified demographic and other characteristics of adults (> or = 50 years old) who reported no CRC screening. METHODS: We calculated the prevalence of never having had a fecal occult blood test and/or a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy by age, sex, and other factors using the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. RESULTS: CRC screening tests were underutilized across all segments of the population. Underutilization was highest in persons aged 50-64 years and those with lower education and a lack of health insurance and preventive services. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that large proportions of average-risk adults across various sociodemographics and behavioral factors are not utilizing recommended CRC screening tests. There is a need to increase the awareness of the importance of utilizing effective CRC screening tests for the early detection of colorectal cancers.
BACKGROUND: Although effective screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) exists, only 37% of incident CRC are diagnosed at a localized stage at which treatment is effective. We identified demographic and other characteristics of adults (> or = 50 years old) who reported no CRC screening. METHODS: We calculated the prevalence of never having had a fecal occult blood test and/or a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy by age, sex, and other factors using the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. RESULTS: CRC screening tests were underutilized across all segments of the population. Underutilization was highest in persons aged 50-64 years and those with lower education and a lack of health insurance and preventive services. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that large proportions of average-risk adults across various sociodemographics and behavioral factors are not utilizing recommended CRC screening tests. There is a need to increase the awareness of the importance of utilizing effective CRC screening tests for the early detection of colorectal cancers.
Authors: Ethan A Halm; Elisabeth F Beaber; Dale McLerran; Jessica Chubak; Douglas A Corley; Carolyn M Rutter; Chyke A Doubeni; Jennifer S Haas; Bijal A Balasubramanian Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2016-06-08 Impact factor: 5.128
Authors: Lila J Finney Rutten; Robert M Jacobson; Patrick M Wilson; Debra J Jacobson; Chun Fan; John B Kisiel; Seth Sweetser; Sidna M Tulledge-Scheitel; Jennifer L St Sauver Journal: Mayo Clin Proc Date: 2017-05 Impact factor: 7.616
Authors: Neeraja B Peterson; Kathleen A Dwyer; Shelagh A Mulvaney; Mary S Dietrich; Russell L Rothman Journal: J Natl Med Assoc Date: 2007-10 Impact factor: 1.798