A population-based survey of self-reported delays in breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer screening

Abstract

The early COVID-19 pandemic was associated with cessation of screening services, but the prevalence of ongoing delays in cancer screening into the third year of the pandemic are not well-characterized. In February/March 2022, a population-based survey assessed cancer needs in New Hampshire and Vermont. The associations between cancer screening delays (breast, cervical, colorectal or lung cancer) and social determinants of health, health care access, and cancer attitudes and beliefs were tested. Distributions and Rao-Scott chi-square tests were used for hypothesis testing and weighted to represent state populations. Of 1717 participants, 55% resided in rural areas, 96% identified as White race, 50% were women, 36% had high school or less education. Screening delays were reported for breast cancer (28%), cervical cancer (30%), colorectal cancer (24%), and lung cancer (30%). Delays were associated with having higher educational attainment (lung), urban living (colorectal), and having Medicaid insurance (breast, cervical). Low confidence in ability to obtain information about cancer was associated with screening delays across screening types. The most common reason for delay was the perception that the screening test was not urgent (31% breast, 30% cervical, 28% colorectal). Cost was the most common reason for delayed lung cancer screening (36%). COVID-19 was indicated as a delay reason in 15–29% of respondents; 12–20% reported health system capacity during the pandemic as a reason for delay, depending on screening type. Interventions that address sub-populations and reasons for screening delays are needed to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer burden and mortality.