Colorectal Cancer Risk Perceptions Among Black Men in Florida

We examined colorectal cancer (CRC) risk perceptions among Black men in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, disease prevention factors, and personal/family history of CRC.

A self-administered cross-sectional survey was conducted in five major cities in Florida between April 2008 and October 2009. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Among 331 eligible men, we found a higher proportion of CRC risk perceptions were exhibited among those aged ≥ 60 years (70.5%) and American nativity (59.1%). Multivariable analyses found men aged ≥ 60 had three times greater odds of having higher CRC risk perceptions compared to those ≤ 49 years (95% CI = 1.51-9.19). The odds of higher CRC risk perception for obese participants were more than four times (95% CI = 1.66-10.00) and overweight were more than twice the odds (95% CI = 1.03-6.31) as compared to healthy weight/underweight participants. Men using the Internet to search for health information also had greater odds of having higher CRC risk perceptions (95% CI = 1.02-4.00). Finally, men with a personal/family history of CRC were ninefold more likely to have higher CRC risk perceptions (95% CI = 2.02-41.79).

Higher CRC risk perceptions were associated with older age, being obese/overweight, using the Internet as a health information source, and having a personal/family history of CRC. Culturally resonate health promotion interventions are sorely needed to elevate CRC risk perceptions for increasing intention to screen among Black men.