Screening Rates Still Behind in Blacks

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE reviewing May FP, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Sep 13.

Blacks have higher colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates, develop CRC at a younger age, and are screened for CRC less often than whites in the U.S. A recent study examined CRC screening rates by racial and ethnic groups for the years 2008 to 2016, using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey results. Every year, colonoscopy remained the most commonly used screening test. During the study interval, overall screening adherence increased from 61.1% to 67.6%. Screening rates increased yearly in whites, Asians, and Hispanics, but in blacks, rates did not increase between 2014 and 2016. Rate increases were also inconsistent in the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) population. At study end, screening uptake in whites was 17% higher than that in Hispanics and 4.3% higher than the screening rate in blacks. Over the interval, disparities between whites and others decreased slightly for Hispanics and Asians but increased slightly for black (3% to 4.3%) and AI/AN respondents (8.7% to 11%).

Comment:

These data indicate that special measures are still needed to increase screening in racial minorities in the U.S.

Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE

Bio and Disclosures

Citation(s):

May FP, Yang L, Corona E, Glenn BA, Bastani R. Disparities in colorectal cancer screening in the United States before and after implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Sep 13. (Epub ahead of print) (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2019.09.008)