Geographic determinants of colorectal cancer in Louisiana

Denise Danos,Xiao-Cheng Wu,Claudia Leonardi

doi:10.1007/s10552-021-01546-7

Denise Danos, Xiao-Cheng Wu + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-021-01546-7

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Abstract

PurposeCurrently, rural residents in the United States (US) experience a greater cancer burden for tobacco-related cancers and cancers that can be prevented by screening. We aim to characterize geographic determinants of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Louisiana due to rural residence and other known geographic risk factors, area socioeconomic status (SES), and cultural region (Acadian or French-speaking).MethodsPrimary colorectal cancer diagnosed among adults 30 years and older in 2008–2017 were obtained from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. Population and social and economic data were obtained from US Census American Community Survey. Rural areas were defined using US Department of Agriculture 2010 rural–urban commuting area codes. Estimates of relative risk (RR) were obtained from multilevel binomial regression models of incidence.ResultsThe study population was 16.1% rural, 18.4% low SES, and 17.9% Acadian. Risk of CRC was greater among rural white residents (RR Women: 1.09(1.02–1.16), RR Men: 1.11(1.04–1.18)). Low SES was associated with increased CRC for all demographic groups, with excess risk ranging from 8% in Black men (RR: 1.08(1.01–1.16)) to 16% in white men (RR: 1.16(1.08–1.24)). Increased risk in the Acadian region was greatest for Black men (RR: 1.21(1.10–1.33)) and women (RR: 1.21(1.09–1.33)). Rural–urban disparities in CRC were no longer significant after controlling for SES and Acadian region.ConclusionSES remains a significant determinant of CRC disparities in Louisiana and may contribute to observed rural–urban disparities in the state. While the intersectionality of CRC risk factors is complex, we have confirmed a robust regional disparity for the Acadian region of Louisiana.

Highlights

Geographic disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes can be due to numerous factors
16.1% resided in rural census tracts and 18.4% resided in low-socioeconomic status (SES) areas, with 6.1% of residents were in rural, low-SES tracts
National time trend analysis suggests rural–urban disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) among Black residents are the result of greater reduction in incidence in metropolitan areas in recent years starting in 2008, a phenomenon that likely varies in temporality and magnitude across the United States (US) [4, 7]

Summary

Introduction

Geographic disparities in cancer incidence and outcomes can be due to numerous factors. Demographic factors, occupation, poverty, and health behaviors or beliefs can contribute to cancer risk [1,2,3]. There are many well-established cancer risk factors beyond the individual level, including healthcare access, living environment (social and physical), and large-scale policy and systems [2]. While national trends show the rural–urban disparity in colorectal cancer (CRC). Incidence has narrowed greatly over several decades, disparities remain [4,5,6,7]. There is variation in geographic disparities, which underscores the need for cancer reporting at the regional level [8]

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