Background: Our objective was to determine the association of self-reported family history of cancer (FHC) on cervical cancer screening to inform a potential link with cancer preventive behaviors in a region with persistent cancer disparities.
Methods: Self-reported FHC, Pap test behavior, and access to care were measured in a statewide population-based survey of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer (n = 918). Random-digit dial, computer-assisted telephone interviews were used to contact eligible respondents (adult [ages 18-70] women in South Carolina with landline telephones]. Logistic regression models were estimated using STATA 12.
Findings: Although FHC+ was not predictive (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-2.51), private health insurance (OR, 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.81) and younger age (18-30 years: OR, 7.76; 95% CI, 1.91, 3.16) were associated with recent Pap test behavior. FHC and cervical cancer screening associations were not detected in the sample.
Conclusions: Findings suggest targeting older women with screening recommendations and providing available screening resources for underserved women.
Copyright © 2013 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.