Knowledge of family history of cancer on cervical cancer screening behavior in a population-based survey of women in the Southeastern United States

Introduction: Family history of cancer influences cancer screening behavior, but how it impacts cervical cancer prevention is less understood. To inform an understanding of cervical cancer disparities in mortality, the study objective was to determine the role of knowledge of family history of cancer on cervical cancer screening.

Methods: In a population-based survey of HPV and cervical cancer, women's knowledge of family history of cancer, Pap test behavior, and access to care were measured (n=986). Random-digit dial, computer-assisted telephone interviewing was used to contact eligible respondents: adult women, aged 18-70, South Carolina residents with landline telephones, and English proficiency. Survey-weighted data analysis procedures ensured estimation representative of the state. Logistic regression models were estimated using STATA 10.

Results: Less than 10% of African-American respondents reported family history of cancer (FHC+) compared to 13% of non-African American respondents. FHC+ was not predictive of Pap test behavior (OR=1.19, 95% CI 0.63, 2.24). However, private health insurance (OR=2.28, 95% CI 1.46, 3.56) and younger age (18-30 years: OR=4.29, 95% CI 1.54, 11.94; 31-44 years: OR=5.17, 95% CI 2.22, 12.04) were predictors of cervical cancer screening.

Conclusions: Findings suggest family history of cancer was not correlated with cervical cancer screening in this sample. Additional research is needed to understand the potential impact of family history on cervical cancer screening behavior and the role of access and availability of care. However, findings suggest a need to target older women with recommended screening and increase awareness of Pap test resources available to uninsured women.