Cancer History and Social Support Impact Colorectal Cancer Screening Utilization by Race/Ethnicity

This study examined the association among cancer history, social support, and up-to-date colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among four racial/ethnic groups. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data on respondents aged 45 to 75 years from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Our outcome of interest was CRC screening and exposures of interest were race/ethnicity, cancer history, and social support. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was performed. Among 73,869 adults, the CRC screening rate was 66.8% with the highest rate in non-Hispanic (NH), Whites (72.2%), and the lowest in Hispanics (52.6%). Screening rates were higher in adults with a cancer history (81.9%) and those having social support (69%). Hispanic adults with a cancer history had lower screening use (50.9% vs. 77.4% in the no cancer history group; P value < 0.001). Regardless of race/ethnicity, adults without social support had lower screening utilization (P value < 0.05). In effect modification, NH White adults who reported no cancer history and lack of social support were 12% less likely to have CRC screening than those with social support but without cancer history (OR, 0.88; 95% confidence intervals, 0.79-0.98). Similar results were observed among Hispanic adults without a cancer history and social support, with 37% less likely to have CRC screening than those with social support but no cancer history (OR, 0.63; 95% confidence intervals, 0.42-0.93). NH White and Hispanic adults without a cancer history and limited social support were less likely to have CRC screening uptake. By implementing culturally tailored interventions that address social support needs, greater CRC screening compliance may be increased among these populations. Prevention Relevance: Adherence to CRC screening recommendations reduces cancer incidence and mortality. Effective implementation of culturally tailored interventions that address social support needs and consider cancer history have the potential for improving CRC screening compliance among NH White and Hispanic adults without a cancer history.