Study Assesses Factors Affecting Rates of Colorectal Cancer Screening

Researchers assessed whether geographic factors contributed to racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer screening, according to a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Evidence shows that there are substantial disparities on rates of colorectal cancer screenings between whites and non-whites. A group of researchers, led by Thomas Semrad, MD, assessed whether geographic factors also contributed to the racial/ethnic disparities.

The researchers collected Medicare claims data within 11 SEER regions on patients who were up-to-date on sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within the past five years or fecal occult blood testing within the last year. The results include the following:

•    Black and white disparities were greatest in Atlanta, rural Georgia and San Jose, Calif.
•    Black and white disparities were not significant in Connecticut, Seattle or Iowa.
•    Asian/Pacific Islanders and whites had significant disparities in Michigan, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Jose, Calif.
•    Asian/Pacific Islanders were more likely to be up-to-date on colorectal cancer screening than whites in Hawaii.

Read the abstract about geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer screening.

Read other coverage about colorectal cancer screening:

- Study: More Colonoscopy Screening Options Confuse Patients

- IU Gastroenterologist Says Colonoscopy Can Be Viable Tool for CRC Prevention

- New Test Measuring DNA Methylation Levels Could Help CRC

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