Racial disparities in colon cancer screening persist despite insurance, access

December 12, 2011 By David Pittman in Cancer

Racial disparities in colon cancer screening persist despite insurance, access

Public health researchers have long attributed the disparity in colonoscopy rates between whites and minorities to a lack of health insurance or access to doctors. Now, a new study suggests the reasons for the differences are more complex.

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston found greater in rates in areas where more doctors were available. Associate Surgery Professor Taylor S. Riall, M.D., Ph.D. and colleagues looked at nearly one million Texas and – even after adjusting for the availability of colonoscopists and primary-care physicians – found blacks still were 20 percent less likely and Hispanics were 32 percent less likely than whites to receive a colonoscopy. Indeed, as the availability of colonoscopists and primary care physicians increased, whites had slight increases in colonoscopy use while blacks and Hispanics had decreases in use.

By only examining Medicare patients, the study, published in the journal Health Services Research, ruled out insurance coverage as a possible inhibitor. However, the authors surmised that the cost of the procedure might be another barrier. “Colonoscopies, even when covered by , are still expensive [due to co-pays],” Riall said.

Cultural differences and existing attitudes toward health care in could contribute to the disparity, Riall suggested. “We think that a combination of things may inhibit certain racial and ethnic minorities from taking advantage of an increased supply of colonoscopists,” she said, adding that colonoscopies might not be realistic for those of lower socioeconomic status.

The trend toward a colonoscopy-only approach to detecting colorectal cancer could further widen disparities in screening, Riall said.

Electra D. Paskett, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at Ohio State University, said fecal occult blood testing, which checks stool samples for hidden blood, is an acceptable, less invasive alternative form of colon-cancer screening. The United Kingdom has implemented the test countrywide with such success that its incidence of colon cancer has dropped, she said.

“I think we need as a society to start opening up our minds and not just think colonoscopy is the only validated colorectal cancer screening, because it’s not,” Paskett said.

More information: Benarroch-Gampel, J., et al. (2011). Colonoscopist and primary care physician supply and disparities in colorectal cancer screening. Health Services Research, In Press.

Provided by Health Behavior News Service search and more info website

5 /5 (1 vote)  

Rank 5 /5 (1 vote)
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs are small molecules that help control the expression of specific proteins. In recent years they have emerged as disease biomarkers. miRNA profiles have been used ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer

Cancer cells spread and grow by avoiding detection and destruction by the immune system. Stimulation of the immune system can help to eliminate cancer cells; however, there are many factors that cause the immune system to ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope

Researchers from London's Kingston University have begun a two-year study which could help prolong the lives of people with colorectal tumours.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Researcher identifies breast cancer fighting hormone

Transformative research from Western University has identified new hormones in the body which may suppress breast cancer and stimulate the regression of breast tumors.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Ground breaking cancer research finds immune system link

(Medical Xpress)—Curtin University researchers have found evidence that targeting specific cells in the body can reverse the effects of cancer on the immune system.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0


First drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade

Coenzyme Q10 decreases all cause mortality by half, according to the results of a multicentre randomised double blind trial presented today at Heart Failure 2013 congress. It is the first drug to improve heart failure mortality ...

Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet, study finds

(HealthDay)—Animals make great companions for senior citizens, but elderly people who always drive with a pet in the car are far more likely to crash than those who never drive with a pet, researchers have ...

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times ...

Death highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight

Mortality and length of stay are highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight, according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. The analysis of nearly 1 million ...

Feds fight morning-after pill age ruling in NY

(AP)—Department of Justice lawyers have again asked a federal appeals court in New York to delay lifting age restrictions and prescription requirements on an emergency contraceptive popularly known as the morning-after ...

New immune system discovered

(Medical Xpress)—A research team, led by Jeremy Barr, a biology post-doctoral fellow, unveils a new immune system that protects humans and animals from infection.