Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Korean Americans age 65 and older. Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Korean American women and the third among Korean men. Screening tests available to detect colorectal cancer include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), digital rectal examination (DRE), and sigmoidoscopy. However, for a variety of reasons (financial, cultural, informational, and access-related), Korean Americans report low rates of cancer screening tests. The purpose of this study is to verify and explicate the rates of colorectal cancer screening tests and to examine the correlates of screening tests. This study employs cross-sectional face-to-face interviews with a random sample of 205 Korean American elderly age 60 and older. Overall, 15% of respondents had had DRE, 18% FOBT, and about 11% sigmoidoscopy. There were no gender differences in FOBT and sigmoidoscopy. However, males were more likely to have DRE than females. In multiple logistic regression analyses, males and those with a history of bloody stools were more likely to have DRE. Marital status, routine checkup, having insurance, a history of bloody stools, and speaking fluent English were associated with having FOBT. Marital status and general health status were related to having sigmoidoscopy. Strategies to increase colorectal cancer screening tests among Korean American elderly are discussed.
Learning Objectives: Assess the rates of colorectal cancer screening tests among Korean American; Indetify the correlates of cancer screening test
Keywords: Cancer Screening, Asian Americans
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.