Colorectal cancer screening: prevalence among low-income groups with health insurance

Health Aff (Millwood). 2009 Jan-Feb;28(1):169-77. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.28.1.169.

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in a low-income, racial/ethnic minority sample, among whom 97 percent had health insurance that covered CRC screening. This is a model for examining the impact of health insurance on racial/ethnic disparities in screening. Screening rates (67 percent self-reported; 52 percent adjusted based on a validation substudy) were higher than among similar population-based samples who have lower levels of insurance coverage. There were no differences by race/ethnicity. This study suggests that insurance coverage for CRC screening should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to address CRC disparities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mass Screening*
  • Middle Aged
  • Poverty*
  • United States / epidemiology