Colorectal cancer screening practices among middle-aged and older adults

Background: Previous research indicates timely colorectal cancer screenings can reduce colorectal cancer mortality, yet many people age 50 and older are not being screened. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between patient-level variables (sociodemographics and health indicators), having a regular source of outpatient care, and receiving a colorectal cancer screening. Methods: Data from 3,387 adults age 50 and older were analyzed from a random sample of households in the eight-county Brazos Valley region of Texas. Three independent logistic regression models were employed. One model examined sociodemographics and health indicators associated with receiving a colorectal cancer screening within the past two years among all participants. Males and females age 50 and over were then examined separately to determine if having a regular source of outpatient care was associated with colorectal cancer screening. Results: Approximately 46% of men and 34% of women received colorectal cancer screenings within the previous two years. Among all participants, being 65 and older (OR=1.24), male (OR=0.70), and having a regular source of outpatient care (OR=1.70) were significantly associated with receiving a colorectal cancer screening. For males, receiving a screening for colorectal cancer was associated with having a regular source of outpatient care (OR=2.22). Among females, having a regular source of outpatient care was associated with being 65 and older (OR=1.62) and impoverished (OR=0.25). Conclusion: Based on these results, interventions should emphasize physician education and screening among the near-elderly (aged 50-64) who may have less access to regular sources of healthcare.