Cancer screening and history of sexual violence victimization among U.S. adults

Little is known about the effect a history of sexual violence (SV) victimization has on the likelihood of reporting screening tests for cancer. This study investigates the association between SV victimization and cancer screening behaviors.

We analyzed data from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 11 states and 1 territory (U.S. Virgin Islands) that administered the SV module to describe demographic characteristics, quality of life, health status, cancer screening behaviors, healthcare coverage, and use of healthcare services for 58,665 women and men who reported SV victimization compared to women and men who did not. The SV victimization measure includes unwanted touching, exposure to sexual material, or ever experiencing completed or attempted unwanted sex. Statistical significance was determined using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models.

Multivariate logistic regression results presented as adjusted proportions showed SV victimization was significantly associated with mammography screening for women (74.0 % victims vs. 77.1% nonvictims, p=0.02). SV victimization was not associated with cancer screening among men. Fewer women reporting SV victimization had healthcare insurance, a personal doctor or healthcare provider, and received regular checkups within the past 1-12 months. Fewer men reporting SV victimization had healthcare coverage.

These data suggest that SV victimization may have a negative association on overall healthcare use, including breast cancer screening for women. Healthcare providers should consider SV victimization as a potential barrier for women who report not being up-to-date with mammography.