The Association Between Religiosity, Spirituality and Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Longitudinal Analysis of Alberta's Tomorrow Project in Canada

J Relig Health. 2024 Apr 20. doi: 10.1007/s10943-024-02048-x. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

We explored longitudinal associations between religion/spirituality (R/S) Salience and R/S Attendance, and colorectal cancer screening, among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Alberta, Canada. R/S Salience was not statistically significantly associated with colorectal cancer screening (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.28). Conversely, R/S Attendance was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of colorectal cancer screening: the aOR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.02-1.59) for participants attending services at least once a month and 1.31 (95% CI 1.01-1.69) for participants attending between one and four times yearly, compared to participants who never attended. Researchers should explore the possibility of delivering colorectal cancer screening programs in R/S settings.

Keywords: Alberta’s Tomorrow Project; Colorectal cancer; Longitudinal; Religion; Screening.