The role of numeracy on cancer screening among urban women.

Abstract

To determine the role of numeracy on cancer screening knowledge and practices among an ethnically diverse population. Women aged 40+ presenting for primary care at an urban academic medical center were surveyed. Numeracy was measured as a dichotomous outcome (numerate: yes/no) using 3 criteria adapted from a validated instrument. Self-report was used to determine if women were upto-date with breast and colorectal cancer screening. Adequate numeracy was associated with increasing age, white race, higher education, and knowledge of breast cancer screening guidelines. No association was found between numeracy and cancer screening practices. Adequate numeracy was not a key determinant of cancer screening.