Weight discrimination and up-to-date breast and cervical cancer screening in US women

Little research has investigated whether people's experiences with weight-related discrimination serve as a barrier to cancer screening. This study examined the association between weight discrimination and receipt of up to date (UTD) cervical and breast cancer screening in a demographically diverse sample of US women with representation across the body mass index (BMI) spectrum.

In 2021, women aged 25-64 years completed an online survey. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between perceived weight discrimination (as measured by the Stigmatizing Situations Survey-Brief) and self-reported cervical (N = 909) and breast cancer screening (N = 442), in Black and White women, adjusting for BMI and demographic characteristics.

Among White women, more frequent exposure to weight discrimination was associated with significantly lower odds of UTD cervical cancer screening, AOR = 0.78; 95 % CI = 0.62, 0.97, and breast cancer screening, AOR = 0.53, 95 % CI = 0.36, 0.78; for each unit increase on the weight discrimination scale, the odds of screening decreased by approximately 25-50 %. In contrast, weight discrimination was not significantly associated with either type of screening among Black women.

Previous experiences with weight discrimination may deter some women from seeking routine cancer screening. Strategies for mitigating the harmful consequences of weight-related discrimination in health care settings are needed.