Reluctance to Undergo Follow-Up Screening for Head and Neck Cancer Is Associated with Income, Gender, and Tobacco Use

Abstract

Aim: To determine the factors associated with reluctance to undergo head and neck cancer follow-up screening. Methods: We surveyed 813 individuals for their medical history, income, behavior habits, and willingness to participate in phone or physical examination follow-up screening for head and neck cancer. Association of reluctance to undergo follow-up screening with the other aforementioned factors was assessed. Results: Overall, 10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.3%) of participants were reluctant to undergo follow-up screening. Patients with a history of cigar/pipe use (OR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3, p = 0.03) or low income (under USD 30,000; OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.0–2.9, p = 0.04) were more reluctant to undergo phone follow-up. Males (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–4.1, p = 0.05) and those with low income (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–4.0, p = 0.02) were more reluctant to undergo physical examination follow-up. Conclusion: Lower income, male gender, and tobacco use are associated with reluctance to undergo follow-up screening for head and neck cancer.