Abstract
Purpose: Screening sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is recommended every 5–10 years for people aged 50 years or older. Despite its proven effectiveness, colorectal cancer screening is used far less than screening for other cancers. The aim of the current study is to assess recent trends in the prevalence of lack of screening sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in US population age 50 or older. Methods: Data were collected from the reports on Risk Factors and Use of Preventive Services published by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (part of the Center for Disease Control). Chi-square test was used to compare proportions in a sample of a 1000 persons. Results: Two reports assessing trends in 1999 and 2002 were reviewed. The prevalence of not having had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy during the previous 5 years among Americans aged 50 years or older was 66% in 1999 and 60% in 2002 (p = 0.006) and ranged from 54% in Delaware to 77% in Nebraska in 1999 and 45% in Minnesota to 70% in Oklahoma and Wyoming in 2002. Women had significant improvement in their rate (69.2% in 1999 & 62.5% in 2002; p = 0.003) compared to men (62.7% & 58.3%; p = 0.33). White Americans reported the lowest rate both in 1999 (62.8% in 1999 and 58.3 in 2002) followed by Blacks (67.5% in 1999 vs 59.7% in 2002) and lastly Hispanics (70.5% in 1999 and 68.3% in 2002). Applying these proportions to a population of 1000 people, these trends would be significant in all groups except Hispanics. Conclusions: The prevalence of lack of sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer in the United States has improved but remains very disappointing particularly in Hispanics. Education campaigns and strategies to improve access to preventive health services should be implemented.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call