Journal Article

Vital Signs : Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Use — United States, 2018

Joseph, Djenaba A., King, Jessica B., Dowling, Nicole F., Thomas, Cheryll C., Richardson, Lisa C.

2020

Overview

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States of cancers that affect both men and women. Despite strong evidence that screening for CRC reduces incidence and mortality, CRC screening prevalence is below the national target. This report describes current CRC screening prevalence by age, various demographic factors, and state. Data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were analyzed to estimate the percentages of adults aged 50-75 years who reported CRC screening consistent with the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendation. In 2018, 68.8% of adults were up to date with CRC screening. The percentage up to date was 79.2% among respondents aged 65-75 years and 63.3% among those aged 50-64 years. CRC screening prevalence was lowest among persons aged 50-54 years (50.0%) and increased with age. Among respondents aged 50-64 years, CRC screening prevalence was lowest among persons without health insurance (32.6%) and highest among those with reported annual household income of ≥$75,000 (70.8%). Among respondents aged 65-75 years, CRC screening prevalence was lowest among those without a regular health care provider (45.6%), and highest among those with reported annual household income ≥$75,000 (87.1%). Among states, CRC screening prevalence was highest in Massachusetts (76.5%) and lowest in Wyoming (57.8%). CRC screening prevalence is lower among adults aged 50-64 years, although most reported having a health care provider and health insurance. Concerted efforts are needed to inform persons aged <50 years about the benefit of screening so that screening can start at age 50 years.

• Publisher: U.S. Center for Disease Control,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Subject: Adults / Age / Age differences / Aged / Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System / Cancer / Colorectal cancer / Colorectal carcinoma / Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control / Demography / Early Detection of Cancer - statistics & numerical data / Family income / Female / Full Report / Health care / Health care industry / Health insurance / Health services / Households / Humans / Income / Insurance / Male / Medical personnel / Medical screening / Men / Mental health services / Metropolitan areas / Middle Aged / Mortality / Population / Prevalence / Preventive medicine / Primary care / Respondents / Risk analysis / Risk behavior / Risk factors / Risk taking / Surveillance / Surveillance systems / Task forces / Tests / United States / Womens health