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Tsai MH, Coughlin SS. Investigating the role of county-level colorectal cancer screening rates on stage at diagnosis of colorectal cancer in rural Georgia. Cancer Causes Control 2024; 35:1123-1131. [PMID: 38587569 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-024-01874-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the impact of county-level colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates on stage at diagnosis of CRC and identify factors associated with stage at diagnosis across different levels of screening rates in rural Georgia. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing data from 2004 to 2010 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The 2013 United States Department of Agriculture rural-urban continuum codes were used to identify rural Georgia counties. The 2004-2010 National Cancer Institute small area estimates for screening behaviors were applied to link county-level CRC screening rates. Descriptive statistics and multinominal logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS Among 4,839 CRC patients, most patients diagnosed with localized CRC lived in low screening areas; however, many diagnosed with regionalized and distant CRC lived in high screening areas (p-value = 0.009). In multivariable analysis, rural patients living in high screening areas were 1.2-fold more likely to be diagnosed at a regionalized and distant stage of CRC (both p-value < 0.05). When examining the factors associated with stage at presentation, Black patients who lived in low screening areas were 36% more likely to be diagnosed with distant diseases compared to White patients (95% CI, 1.08-1.71). Among those living in high screening areas, patients with right-sided CRC were 38% more likely to have regionalized disease (95% CI, 1.09-1.74). CONCLUSION Patients living in high screening areas were more likely to have a later stage of CRC in rural Georgia. IMPACT Allocating CRC screening/treatment resources and improving CRC risk awareness should be prioritized for rural patients in Georgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Tsai
- Cancer Prevention, Control, & Population Health Program, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, HS-1705, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Steven S Coughlin
- Department of Biostatistics, Data Science and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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2
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Stoltz DJ, Liebert CA, Seib CD, Bruun A, Arnow KD, Barreto NB, Pratt JS, Eisenberg D. Preventive Health Screening in Veterans Undergoing Bariatric Surgery. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:979-986. [PMID: 36100538 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals with obesity are vulnerable to low rates of preventive health screening. Veterans with obesity seeking bariatric surgery are also hypothesized to have gaps in preventive health screening. Evaluation in a multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic is a point of interaction with the healthcare system that could facilitate improvements in screening. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of 381 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a Veterans Affairs Hospital from January 2010 to October 2021. Age- and sex-appropriate health screening rates were determined at initial referral to a multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic and at the time of surgery. Rates of guideline concordance at both time points were compared using McNemar's test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for nonconcordance. RESULTS Concordance with all recommended screening was low at initial referral and significantly improved by time of surgery (39.1%‒63.8%; p<0.001). Screening rates significantly improved for HIV (p<0.001), cervical cancer (p=0.03), and colon cancer (p<0.001). Increases in BMI (p=0.005) and the number of indicated screening tests (p=0.029) were associated with reduced odds of concordance at initial referral. Smoking history (p=0.012) and increasing distance to the nearest Veterans Affairs Medical Center (p=0.039) were associated with reduced odds of change from nonconcordance at initial referral to concordance at the time of surgery. CONCLUSIONS Rates of preventive health screening in Veterans with obesity are low. A multidisciplinary bariatric surgery clinic is an opportunity to improve preventive health screening in Veterans referred for bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Stoltz
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Cara A Liebert
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Carolyn D Seib
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Aida Bruun
- Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Katherine D Arnow
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Nicolas B Barreto
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
| | - Janey S Pratt
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Dan Eisenberg
- Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Surgical Services, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California; Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research Education (S-SPIRE) Center, Stanford, California
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3
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Hirko KA, Xu H, Rogers LQ, Martin MY, Roy S, Kelly KM, Christy SM, Ashing KT, Yi JC, Lewis-Thames MW, Meade CD, Lu Q, Gwede CK, Nemeth J, Ceballos RM, Menon U, Cueva K, Yeary K, Klesges LM, Baskin ML, Alcaraz KI, Ford S. Cancer disparities in the context of rurality: risk factors and screening across various U.S. rural classification codes. Cancer Causes Control 2022; 33:1095-1105. [PMID: 35773504 PMCID: PMC9811397 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01599-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Prior cancer research is limited by inconsistencies in defining rurality. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors across various county-based rural classification codes, including measures reflecting a continuum, to inform our understanding of cancer disparities according to the extent of rurality. METHODS Using an ecological cross-sectional design, we examined differences in cancer risk factors and cancer screening behaviors from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and National Health Interview Survey (2008-2013) across rural counties and between rural and urban counties using four rural-urban classification codes for counties and county-equivalents in 2013: U.S. Office of Management and Budget, National Center for Health Statistics, USDA Economic Research Service's rural-urban continuum codes, and Urban Influence Codes. RESULTS Although a rural-to-urban gradient was not consistently evident across all classification codes, the prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and binge alcohol use increased (all ptrend < 0.03), while colorectal, cervical and breast cancer screening decreased (all ptrend < 0.001) with increasing rurality. Differences in the prevalence of risk factors and screening behaviors across rural areas were greater than differences between rural and urban counties for obesity (2.4% vs. 1.5%), physical activity (2.9% vs. 2.5%), binge alcohol use (3.4% vs. 0.4%), cervical cancer screening (6.8% vs. 4.0%), and colorectal cancer screening (4.4% vs. 3.8%). CONCLUSIONS Rural cancer disparities persist across multiple rural-urban classification codes, with marked variation in cancer risk factors and screening evident within rural regions. Focusing only on a rural-urban dichotomy may not sufficiently capture subpopulations of rural residents at greater risk for cancer and cancer-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Hirko
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health and Sealy Center On Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Q Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michelle Y Martin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly M Kelly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Systems & Policy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Shannon M Christy
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kimlin Tam Ashing
- Division of Health Equities, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jean C Yi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marquita W Lewis-Thames
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cathy D Meade
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Health Disparities Research, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clement K Gwede
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julianna Nemeth
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rachel M Ceballos
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Usha Menon
- College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Katie Cueva
- Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Karen Yeary
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Lisa M Klesges
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Monica L Baskin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kassandra I Alcaraz
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sabrina Ford
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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4
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Sun X, Wang ZJ, Li YY, Chan KQ, Miao XY, Zhao S, Wu YQ, Li Z, Wu BM. Trends of college students' mental health from 2005 to 2019 and its rural-urban disparities in China. J Affect Disord 2022; 302:160-169. [PMID: 35033592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Sun
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China
| | - Zuo-Jun Wang
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China.
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China
| | - Kai Qin Chan
- Department of Psychology, James Cook University, Singapore
| | - Xiao-Yan Miao
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China; Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, China
| | - Shu Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wu
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- School of Education, Hunan University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Bei-Min Wu
- Department of Psychology, Ningbo University, China.
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5
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George M, Smith A, Ranmuthugula G, Sabesan S. Barriers to Accessing, Commencing and Completing Cancer Treatment Among Geriatric Patients in Rural Australia: A Qualitative Perspective. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:1583-1594. [PMID: 35210830 PMCID: PMC8859537 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s338128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore patients’, caregivers’, and health professionals’ perspectives on barriers and challenges to accessing, commencing and completing cancer therapy, with a focus on geriatric patients and the impacts of comorbidities and rurality. Patients and Methods A qualitative sub-study using focus group discussions was conducted in a regional cancer center and one of its outreach clinics in rural New South Wales, Australia. Five discussions with three distinct cohorts were undertaken, including: 1) geriatric cancer patients (two discussions); 2) caregivers (two discussions); and 3) health professionals (one discussion). Each focus group comprised eight to ten participants. A question guide was used to elicit participants’ experiences of receiving/providing cancer care and support during cancer treatment in a rural setting. Iterative thematic analysis was undertaken, with transcripts coded using NVivo software. Results Participants identified travel to larger regional centers and/or metropolitan areas and related arrangements as primary challenges to accessing diagnostic tests, surgeries, some treatments, and follow-up tests. Financial stress, and a lack of knowledge regarding available support services and mechanisms, was also a key issue for most patients and caregivers. Differences in availability of specific testing equipment, such as PET-CT, further complicated patients’ and caregivers’ experience of seeking diagnosis and management of cancer. While all interview cohorts identified positive rapport between clinicians and patients as a key characteristic of their experience of cancer management in rural and regional areas, difficulty in retaining clinical staff and related staffing levels at some health services were understood to negatively impact patients’ and caregivers’ experiences. Conclusion Overall, the study highlights the effects of geographical, social, and informational isolation on patients’ and caregivers’ experience of cancer diagnosis and management, and suggests several implications for further research and practice improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew George
- Department of Medical Oncology, North West Cancer Centre, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Correspondence: Mathew George Tel +61 2 6767 7760Fax +61 2 6766 9173 Email
| | - Alexandra Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, North West Cancer Centre, Tamworth, NSW, Australia
| | - Geetha Ranmuthugula
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Sabe Sabesan
- Townsville Cancer Centre, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Abstract
Neighborhood has significant implications for breast cancer screening, stage, treatment, and mortality. Patients residing in neighborhoods with high deprivation or rurality face barriers and challenges to accessing and receiving care. Consequently, they experience higher mortality rates than their financially affluent or urban counterparts. There are multiple gaps in the literature on the relationship between place of residence and the use of systemic therapies or emerging surgical strategies for disease management. As the management of breast cancer continues to evolve, additional studies are needed to understand the implications of place on the implementation and dissemination of new and emerging treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, N924 Doan Hall, 410 West 10th, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Barnabas Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, 10 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Willi Tarver
- Division of Cancer Prevention & Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Drive, Room 526, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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7
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The quality of screening colonoscopy in rural and underserved areas. Surg Endosc 2021; 36:4845-4853. [PMID: 34741204 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-021-08833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening colonoscopy effectiveness depends on procedure quality; however, knowledge about colonoscopy quality in rural and underserved areas is limited. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and quality of colonoscopy and to examine predictors of colonoscopy quality at rural and underserved hospitals. METHODS Adults undergoing colonoscopy from April 2017 to March 2019 at rural or underserved hospitals across the Illinois Surgical Quality Improvement Collaborative were prospectively identified. The primary outcome was colorectal adenoma detection, and secondary outcomes included bowel preparation adequacy, cecum photodocumentation, and withdrawal time. Performance was benchmarked against multisociety guidelines, and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine patient, physician, and procedure characteristics associated with adenoma detection. RESULTS In total, 4217 colonoscopy procedures were performed at 8 hospitals, including 1865 screening examinations performed by 19 surgeons, 9 gastroenterologists, and 2 family practitioners. Physician screening volume ranged from 2 to 218 procedures (median 50; IQR 23-74). Adenoma detection occurred in 26.6% of screening procedures (target: ≥ 25%), 90.7% had adequate bowel preparation (target: ≥ 85%), 93.1% had cecum photodocumentation (target: ≥ 95%), and mean withdrawal time was 8.1 min (target: ≥ 6). Physician specialty was associated with adenoma detection (gastroenterologists: 36.9% vs. surgeons: 22.5%; OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.40-3.77), but adequate bowel preparation (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.76-1.73) and cecum photodocumentation (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.91-2.69) were not. CONCLUSION Colonoscopies performed at rural and underserved hospitals meet many quality metrics; however, quality varied widely. As physicians are scarce in rural and underserved areas, individualized interventions to improve colonoscopy quality are needed.
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8
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Walji LT, Murchie P, Lip G, Speirs V, Iversen L. Exploring the influence of rural residence on uptake of organized cancer screening - A systematic review of international literature. Cancer Epidemiol 2021; 74:101995. [PMID: 34416545 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2021.101995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lower screening uptake could impact cancer survival in rural areas. This systematic review sought studies comparing rural/urban uptake of colorectal, cervical and breast cancer screening in high income countries. Relevant studies (n = 50) were identified systematically by searching Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL. Narrative synthesis found that screening uptake for all three cancers was generally lower in rural areas. In meta-analysis, colorectal cancer screening uptake (OR 0.66, 95 % CI = 0.50-0.87, I2 = 85 %) was significantly lower for rural dwellers than their urban counterparts. The meta-analysis found no relationship between uptake of breast cancer screening and rural versus urban residency (OR 0.93, 95 % CI = 0.80-1.09, I2 = 86 %). However, it is important to note the limitation of the significant statistical heterogeneity found which demonstrates the lack of consistency between the few studies eligible for inclusion in the meta-analyses. Cancer screening uptake is apparently lower for rural dwellers which may contribute to poorer survival. National screening programmes should consider geography in planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Walji
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
| | - Peter Murchie
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Gerald Lip
- North East Scotland Breast Screening Programme, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Valerie Speirs
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Lisa Iversen
- Academic Primary Care, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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9
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Alyabsi M, Meza J, Islam KMM, Soliman A, Watanabe-Galloway S. Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake: Differences Between Rural and Urban Privately-Insured Population. Front Public Health 2020; 8:532950. [PMID: 33330301 PMCID: PMC7710856 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.532950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Earlier studies investigated rural-urban colorectal cancer (CRC) screening disparities among older adults or used surveys. The objective was to compare screening uptake between rural and urban individuals 50–64 years of age using private health insurance. Data were analyzed from 58,774 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska beneficiaries. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between rural-urban and CRC screening use. Results indicate that rural individuals were 56% more likely to use the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) compared with urban residents, but rural females were 68% less likely to use FOBT. Individuals with few Primary Care Physician (PCP) visits and rural-women are the least to receive screening. To enhance CRC screening, a policy should be devised for the training and placement of female PCP in rural areas. In particular, multilevel interventions, including education, more resources, and policies to increase uptake of colorectal cancer screening, are needed. Further research is warranted to investigate barriers to CRC screening in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesnad Alyabsi
- Population Health Research Section, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jane Meza
- Department of Biostatistics, Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - K M Monirul Islam
- Department of Epidemiology, Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Amr Soliman
- Community Health and Social Medicine, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway
- Department of Epidemiology, Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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10
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Orsak G, Miller A, Allen CM, Singh KP, McGaha P. Return on Investment of Free Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests in a Primarily Rural Uninsured or Underinsured Population in Northeast Texas. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2020; 4:71-77. [PMID: 31123931 PMCID: PMC7018884 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-019-0147-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the USA. Its economic impact is extensive, and preventive screening services are warranted to help prevent it. OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the return on investment, in terms of reduced costs attributed to cancer prevention, of a CRC screening outreach program providing education and screening in a primarily rural region targeting the uninsured and underinsured. METHODS The expenditures of the Northeast Texas CRC screening program were calculated for the years of 2016 and 2017. Prices ($US) were adjusted for inflation and converted to year 2017 values. The costs saved were calculated using the estimated costs of CRC care present in the literature. RESULTS For fiscal years 2016 and 2017, the program provided an average return of $US1.46-2.06 for every tax dollar spent. Estimated cost avoidance was $US165,080 per avoided case and estimated cost avoidance of $US245,601 among early-stage cancer cases detected, resulting in potential savings ranging from $US3,893,676 to $US4,837,923. CONCLUSION A CRC outreach program providing education and screening operating in less densely populated regions yields a positive return on investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Orsak
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Rural and Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US HWY 271, Tyler, TX, 75708-3154, USA.
| | - Anastasia Miller
- Department of Healthcare Policy, Economics and Management, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Carlton M Allen
- Department of Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Karan P Singh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Rural and Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US HWY 271, Tyler, TX, 75708-3154, USA
| | - Paul McGaha
- Department of Community Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
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11
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Preferences for breast cancer survivorship care by rural/urban residence and age at diagnosis. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:3839-3846. [PMID: 31834516 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preferences for survivorship care among recently treated breast cancer survivors may vary by rural-urban residence and age, but potential differences have not been examined. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of survivorship preferences among women treated for non-metastatic breast cancer 6-24 months prior to recruitment. RESULTS We surveyed 203 women (66% response) with American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage I or II breast cancer. Rural residents comprised 36.5% of respondents (82.7% White, non-Hispanic; 52.5% < college education) and 29.6% were ≥ 65 years. More than 95% indicated that checking for recurrence, receiving additional treatment, evaluation of side effects, and identification of late effects were "very important" reasons for follow-up care. The most common topics identified as "very important" for survivorship care discussions were recommendations for healthy behaviors (65.3%), best sources for breast cancer information (65.3%), and effects on family (53.3%) and job (53.8%). Women 65 years and older preferred to discuss follow-up care at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.002), with younger women preferring during (32%) or after treatment (39.1%). Rural survivors were significantly more likely to identify follow-up care reasons not related to the initial breast cancer as "very important" than urban survivors, including screening for other cancers, and examinations or tests for non-cancer diseases (both p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Survivorship care in accordance with national recommendations will likely be accepted by breast cancer survivors. Tailoring breast cancer survivorship care by timing, integration of primary care services, and specific psychosocial topics may best meet the needs of different ages and demographics.
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12
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Rodriguez Villalvazo Y, McDanel JS, Beste LA, Sanchez AJ, Vaughan-Sarrazin M, Katz DA. Effect of travel distance and rurality of residence on initial surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in VA primary care patient with cirrhosis. Health Serv Res 2019; 55:103-112. [PMID: 31763691 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between travel distance and surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma among veterans with cirrhosis. DATA SOURCES Veterans Health Administration (VHA) inpatient and outpatient administrative data were linked to geocoded enrollee files. CMS-VHA merged data were used to assess receipt of Medicare-financed non-VA imaging. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort of US veterans diagnosed with cirrhosis between 2009 and 2015 was examined. First available abdominal imaging following the diagnosis of cirrhosis was analyzed separately as a function of travel distance to the nearest VA medical center (VAMC) and to the patient's assigned VA primary care provider. Veterans with dual use of Medicare and VA services were also examined for receipt of imaging outside of the VA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Veterans who resided more than 30 miles from the nearest VAMC were less likely to receive any imaging for HCC surveillance. Among dual users, increased travel distance between the patient's residence and nearest VAMC was associated with an increased likelihood of receiving any abdominal imaging at non-VA facilities. CONCLUSION Increased travel distance to the nearest VA medical center reduces the likelihood of receiving imaging for HCC surveillance in cirrhotic veterans. Future efforts should focus on reducing geographic barriers to HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Rodriguez Villalvazo
- Center for Access and Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa.,Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jennifer S McDanel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lauren A Beste
- General Medicine Service and Health Services Research and Development, Seattle, Washington.,VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Antonio J Sanchez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mary Vaughan-Sarrazin
- Center for Access and Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David A Katz
- Center for Access and Delivery Research & Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa.,Iowa City VA Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
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Andrilla CHA, Moore TE, Man Wong K, Evans DV. Investigating the Impact of Geographic Location on Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: A National Study of the SEER Cancer Registry. J Rural Health 2019; 36:316-325. [PMID: 31454856 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with decreased mortality and potential avoidance of chemotherapy. CRC screening rates are lower in rural communities and patient outcomes are poorer. This study examines the extent to which United States' rural residents present at a more advanced stage of CRC compared to nonrural residents. METHODS Using the 2010-2014 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Incidence data, 132,277 patients with CRC were stratified using their county of residence and urban influence codes into 5 categories (metro, adjacent micropolitan, nonadjacent micropolitan, small rural, and remote small rural). Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between late stage at diagnosis and county-level characteristics including level of rurality, persistent poverty, low education and low employment, and patient characteristics. RESULTS In the adjusted analysis the rate of stage 4 CRC at diagnosis differed across geographic classification, with patients living in remote small rural counties having the highest rate of stage 4 disease (range: 19.2% in nonadjacent micropolitan counties to 22.7% in remote small rural counties). Other factors, such as patient characteristics, insurance status, and regional practice variation were also significantly associated with late-stage CRC diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Geographic residence is associated with the rate of stage 4 disease at presentation. Additional patient factors are associated with stage 4 CRC disease at diagnosis. Cancer outcomes are worse for rural patients, and late stage at diagnosis may partially account for this disparity. These differences have persisted over time and suggest areas for further research, patient engagement, and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Holly A Andrilla
- WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Tessa E Moore
- WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Kit Man Wong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - David V Evans
- WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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Orsak G, Allen CM, Sorensen W, McGaha P. Risk of Colorectal Polyps and Malignancies Among Predominantly Rural Hispanics. J Immigr Minor Health 2018; 21:931-937. [PMID: 30099665 PMCID: PMC6726662 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0802-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer. However, due to variations in diet, it was hypothesized that risk of adenomatous or hyperplastic polyps or malignancies would be lower among Hispanics. Participants (n = 1671) underwent a colonoscopy. Results were grouped into one of four groups: normal, hyperplastic polyps only, adenomatous polyps, and malignancies. As expected, Hispanics had a lower risk of hyperplastic (p = .031, OR = 0.47) and adenomatous polyps (p = .031, OR = 0.66) than non-Hispanic Whites. Comparison between malignancies was not possible as no Hispanics had a malignancy. Contrary to expectations, risk of hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps and malignancies were no different between non-Hispanic Blacks and Whites. Among rural and mostly rural populations, Hispanics had a lower risk of hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Orsak
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Rural and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, 11937 US HWY 271, Tyler, TX, 75708-3154, USA.
| | - Carlton M Allen
- Center for Rural and Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - William Sorensen
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Paul McGaha
- Department of Community Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
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Intrastate Variations in Rural Cancer Risk and Incidence: An Illinois Case Study. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2018; 22:472-8. [PMID: 26193050 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although rural-urban cancer disparities have been explored with some depth, disparities within seemingly homogeneous rural areas have received limited attention. However, exploration of intrarural cancer incidence may have important public health implications for risk assessment, cancer control, and resource allocation. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore intrastate rural cancer risk and incidence differences within Illinois. DESIGN Illinois's 83 rural counties were categorized into northern, central, and southern regions (IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S, respectively). Chi-square test for independence and analysis of variance calculations were performed to assess regional differences in demographic characteristics, socioeconomic deprivation, smoking history, obesity, cancer-screening adherence, and density of general practitioners. Age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated for 5 cancer categories: all cancers combined, lung, colorectal, breast (female), and prostate cancers. Unadjusted and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to evaluate regional differences in rates for each cancer category. RESULTS Socioeconomic deprivation varied by region: 4.5%, 6.9%, and 40.6% of IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S counties, respectively (P < .001). Smoking history also significantly differed by region. Mean former/current smoking prevalence in IL-N, IL-C, and IL-S counties was 46.4%, 48.2%, and 51.4%, respectively (P = .006). In unadjusted analysis, IL-C (IRR = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.23) and IL-S (IRR = 1.24; 95% CI, 1.13-1.35) had increased lung cancer incidence compared with IL-N. Elevated risk remained in IL-S after adjusting for relevant factors such as smoking and socioeconomic deprivation (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.26). CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic deprivation, health behaviors, and lung cancer incidence varied across rural regions. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying cancer risk heterogeneity, even within a state, to effectively target risk factor reduction and cancer control interventions.
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Breast Cancer Screening for Patients of Rural Accountable Care Organization Clinics: A Multi-Level Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators. J Community Health 2017; 43:248-258. [PMID: 28861654 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-017-0412-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Not all women 50-74 years received biennial mammography and the situation is worse in rural areas. Accountable care organizations (ACO) emphasize coordinated care, use of electronic health system, and preventive quality measures and these practices may improve their patients' breast cancer screening rate. Using medical record data of 8,347 women patients aged 50-74 years from eight rural ACO clinics in Nebraska, this study examined patient-, provider-, and county-level barriers and facilitators for breast cancer screening. A generalized estimating equations model was used to account for the correlation among patients from the same provider and county. The multi-level logistic regression results suggest that uninsured non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely to meet the biennial mammography screening guideline. Patients whose preferred language being English, having a preventive visit in the past 12 months, having one or more chronic conditions were more likely to meet the biennial mammography screening guideline. Patients with a primary care provider (PCP) that was male, without a medical doctor degree were less likely to screen biennially. Patients with a PCP that reviewed performance report quarterly, or manually checked patients' mammography screening status during visits were more likely to screen biennially. Interestingly, patients whose PCP reported being reminded by a care coordination team were less likely to screen biennially. Patients living in counties with more PCPs were also more likely to screen biennially. The study findings suggest that efforts targeting individual and practice-level barriers could be most effective in improving mammography screening for these rural ACO patients.
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Holub JL, Morris C, Fagnan LJ, Logan JR, Michaels LC, Lieberman DA. Quality of Colonoscopy Performed in Rural Practice: Experience From the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative and the Oregon Rural Practice-Based Research Network. J Rural Health 2017; 34 Suppl 1:s75-s83. [PMID: 28045200 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colon cancer screening is effective. To complete screening in 80% of individuals over age 50 years by 2018 will require adequate colonoscopy capacity throughout the country, including rural areas, where colonoscopy providers may have less specialized training. Our aim was to study the quality of colonoscopy in rural settings. METHODS The Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) and the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN) collaborated to recruit Oregon rural practices to submit colonoscopy reports to CORI's National Endoscopic Database (NED). Ten ORPRN sites were compared to non-ORPRN rural (n = 11) and nonrural (n = 43) sites between January 2009 and October 2011. Established colonoscopy quality measures were calculated for all sites. RESULTS No ORPRN physicians were gastroenterologists compared with 82% of nonrural physicians. ORPRN practices reached the cecum in 87.4% of exams compared with 89.3% of rural sites (P = .0002) and 90.9% of nonrural sites (P < .0001). Resected polyps were less likely to be retrieved (84.7% vs 91.6%; P < .0001) and sent to pathology (77.1% vs 91.3%; P < .0001) at ORPRN practices compared to nonrural sites. The overall polyp detection (39.0% vs 40.3%) was similar (P = .217) between ORPRN and nonrural practices. Of exams with polyps, the rate for largest polyp on exam 6-9 mm was 20.8% at ORPRN sites, compared to 26.8% at nonrural sites (P < .0001), and for polyps >9mm 16.6% vs 18.7% (P = .106). CONCLUSION ORPRN sites performed well on most colonoscopy quality measures, suggesting that high-quality colonoscopy can be performed in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Holub
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Cynthia Morris
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lyle J Fagnan
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Judith R Logan
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - LeAnn C Michaels
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - David A Lieberman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Cohen SA, Kelley L, Bell AE. Spatiotemporal Discordance in Five Common Measures of Rurality for US Counties and Applications for Health Disparities Research in Older Adults. Front Public Health 2015; 3:267. [PMID: 26636064 PMCID: PMC4658471 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rural populations face numerous barriers to health, including poorer health care infrastructure, access to care, and other sociodemographic factors largely associated with rurality. Multiple measures of rurality used in the biomedical and public health literature can help assess rural–urban health disparities and may impact the observed associations between rurality and health. Furthermore, understanding what makes a place truly “rural” versus “urban” may vary from region to region in the US. Purpose The objectives of this study are to compare and contrast five common measures of rurality and determine how well-correlated these measures are at the national, regional, and divisional level, as well as to assess patterns in the correlations between the prevalence of obesity in the population aged 60+ and each of the five measures of rurality at the regional and divisional level. Methods Five measures of rurality were abstracted from the US Census and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to characterize US counties. Obesity data in the population aged 60+ were abstracted from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Spearman’s rank correlations were used to quantify the associations among the five rurality measurements at the national, regional, and divisional level, as defined by the US Census Bureau. Geographic information systems were used to visually illustrate temporal, spatial, and regional variability. Results Overall, Spearman’s rank correlations among the five measures ranged from 0.521 (percent urban–urban influence code) to 0.917 (rural–urban continuum code–urban influence code). Notable discrepancies existed in these associations by Census region and by division. The associations between measures of rurality and obesity in the 60+ population varied by rurality measure used and by region. Conclusion This study is among the first to systematically assess the spatial, temporal, and regional differences and similarities among five commonly used measures of rurality in the US. There are important, quantifiable distinctions in defining what it means to be a rural county depending on both the geographic region and the measurement used. These findings highlight the importance of developing and selecting an appropriate rurality metric in health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Cohen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA
| | - Lauren Kelley
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA
| | - Allison E Bell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA , USA
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Rust G, Zhang S, Malhotra K, Reese L, McRoy L, Baltrus P, Caplan L, Levine RS. Paths to health equity: Local area variation in progress toward eliminating breast cancer mortality disparities, 1990-2009. Cancer 2015; 121:2765-74. [PMID: 25906833 PMCID: PMC4540479 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1989, but African American women are still more likely than white women to die of breast cancer. Black/white disparities in breast cancer mortality rate ratios have actually been increasing. METHODS Across 762 US counties with enough deaths to generate reliable rates, county-level, age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates were examined for women who were 35 to 74 years old during the period of 1989-2010. Twenty-two years of mortality data generated twenty 3-year rolling average data points, each centered on a specific year from 1990 to 2009. Mixed linear models were used to group each county into 1 of 4 mutually exclusive trend patterns. The most recent 3-year average black breast cancer mortality rate for each county was also categorized as being worse or not worse than the breast cancer mortality rate for the total US population. RESULTS More than half of the counties (54%) showed persistent, unchanging disparities. Roughly 1 in 4 (24%) had a divergent pattern of worsening black/white disparities. However, 10.5% of the counties sustained racial equality over the 20-year period, and 11.7% of the counties actually showed a converging pattern from high disparities to greater equality. Twenty-three counties had 2008-2010 black mortality rates better than the US average mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS Disparities are not inevitable. Four US counties have sustained both optimal and equitable black outcomes as measured by both absolute (better than the US average) and relative benchmarks (equality in the local black/white rate ratio) for decades, and 6 counties have shown a path from disparities to health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Rust
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Shun Zhang
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Khusdeep Malhotra
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Leroy Reese
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Luceta McRoy
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Peter Baltrus
- National Center for Primary Care, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lee Caplan
- Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Robert S Levine
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
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Obertová Z, Hodgson F, Scott-Jones J, Brown C, Lawrenson R. Rural-Urban Differences in Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening and Its Outcomes in New Zealand. J Rural Health 2015; 32:56-62. [DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Obertová
- Waikato Clinical School; University of Auckland; Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Fraser Hodgson
- Waikato Clinical School; University of Auckland; Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Joseph Scott-Jones
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care; University of Auckland; Auckland New Zealand
| | - Charis Brown
- Waikato Clinical School; University of Auckland; Hamilton New Zealand
| | - Ross Lawrenson
- Waikato Clinical School; University of Auckland; Hamilton New Zealand
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Briant KJ, Espinoza N, Galvan A, Carosso E, Marchello N, Linde S, Copeland W, Thompson B. An innovative strategy to reach the underserved for colorectal cancer screening. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2015; 30:237-43. [PMID: 25002255 PMCID: PMC4289125 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-014-0702-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Hispanics are an underserved population in terms of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is the second leading cause of cancer incidence among Hispanic men and women, and Hispanics have lower screening rates than non-Hispanic whites. The overall purpose of this project was to provide CRC information, education, and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits to Hispanics in a rural three-county region of Washington State. We held a series of 47 community health fair events that incorporated the use of a giant inflatable, walk-through colon model with physical depictions of healthy tissue, polyps, and CRC. We used a pre/post-design to look for changes in familiarity with CRC before and after walking through the colon among adults aged 18 and older (n = 947). McNemar's test analysis indicated significant differences in the distribution of the percentage of correct participant responses to CRC-related questions from pre- to post-test after an educational tour of the colon. Results from logistic regression analysis identified multiple participant characteristics associated with self-reported likelihood of being screened for CRC in 3 months following post-test. We distributed 300 free FOBT kits to be analyzed at no charge to the end user and to attendees aged 50 and older who toured the inflatable colon; 226 FOBT kits (75.3%) were returned for analysis. The use of the inflatable colon was an innovative way to attract people to learn about CRC and CRC screening modalities. Furthermore, the response to our distribution of FOBT kits indicates that if given the opportunity for education and access to services, this underserved population will comply with CRC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Josa Briant
- Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, M3-B232, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA,
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Halpern MT, Romaire MA, Haber SG, Tangka FK, Sabatino SA, Howard DH. Impact of state-specific Medicaid reimbursement and eligibility policies on receipt of cancer screening. Cancer 2014; 120:3016-24. [PMID: 25154930 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although state Medicaid programs cover cancer screening, Medicaid beneficiaries are less likely to be screened for cancer and are more likely to present with tumors of an advanced stage than are those with other insurance. The current study was performed to determine whether state Medicaid eligibility and reimbursement policies affect the receipt of breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening among Medicaid beneficiaries. METHODS Cross-sectional regression analyses of 2007 Medicaid data from 46 states and the District of Columbia were performed to examine associations between state-specific Medicaid reimbursement/eligibility policies and receipt of cancer screening. The study sample included individuals aged 21 years to 64 years who were enrolled in fee-for-service Medicaid for at least 4 months. Subsamples eligible for each screening test were: Papanicolaou test among 2,136,511 patients, mammography among 792,470 patients, colonoscopy among 769,729 patients, and fecal occult blood test among 753,868 patients. State-specific Medicaid variables included median screening test reimbursement, income/financial asset eligibility requirements, physician copayments, and frequency of eligibility renewal. RESULTS Increases in screening test reimbursement demonstrated mixed associations (positive and negative) with the likelihood of receiving screening tests among Medicaid beneficiaries. In contrast, increased reimbursements for office visits were found to be positively associated with the odds of receiving all screening tests examined, including colonoscopy (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.06-1.08), fecal occult blood test (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.08-1.10), Papanicolaou test (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-1.03), and mammography (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-1.03). Effects of other state-specific Medicaid policies varied across the screening tests examined. CONCLUSIONS Increased reimbursement for office visits was consistently associated with an increased likelihood of being screened for cancer, and may be an important policy tool for increasing screening among this vulnerable population.
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Meilleur A, Subramanian SV, Plascak JJ, Fisher JL, Paskett ED, Lamont EB. Rural residence and cancer outcomes in the United States: issues and challenges. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014; 22:1657-67. [PMID: 24097195 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-13-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
"Neighborhoods and health" research has shown that area social factors are associated with the health outcomes that patients with cancer experience across the cancer control continuum. To date, most of this research has been focused on the attributes of urban areas that are associated with residents' poor cancer outcomes with less focused on attributes of rural areas that may be associated with the same. Perhaps because there is not yet a consensus in the United States regarding how to define "rural," there is not yet an accepted analytic convention for studying issues of how patients' cancer outcomes may vary according to "rural" as a contextual attribute. The research that exists reports disparate findings and generally treats rural residence as a patient attribute rather than a contextual factor, making it difficult to understand what factors (e.g., unmeasured individual poverty, area social deprivation, area health care scarcity) may be mediating the poor outcomes associated with rural (or non-rural) residence. Here, we review literature regarding the potential importance of rural residence on cancer patients' outcomes in the United States with an eye towards identifying research conventions (i.e., spatial and analytic) that may be useful for future research in this important area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Meilleur
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Health Care Policy and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and Comprehensive Cancer Center, James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, and Division of Cancer Control and Prevention, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Abstract
There is an excess burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Appalachian region of the United States, which could be reduced by increased uptake of CRC screening tests. Thus, we examined correlates of screening among Appalachian residents at average-risk for CRC. Using a population-based sample, we conducted interviews with and obtained medical records of Appalachian Ohio residents 51-75 years between September 2009 and April 2010. Using multivariable logistic regression, we identified correlates of being within CRC screening guidelines by medical records. About half of participants were within CRC screening guidelines. Participants who were older (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.07), had higher income ($30,000-$60,000, OR = 1.92, 95 % CI 1.29, 2.86; ≥$60,000, OR = 1.80, 95 % CI 1.19, 2.72), a primary care provider (OR = 4.22, 95 % CI 1.33, 13.39), a recent check-up (OR = 2.37, 95 % CI 1.12, 4.99), had been encouraged to be screened (OR = 1.57, 95 % CI 1.11, 2.22), had been recommended by their doctor to be screened (OR = 6.68, 95 % CI 3.87, 11.52), or asked their doctor to order a screening test (OR = 2.24, 95 % CI 1.36, 3.69) had higher odds of being screened within guidelines in multivariable analysis. Findings suggest that access to and utilization of healthcare services, social influence, and patient-provider communication were the major factors associated with CRC screening. Researchers and healthcare providers should develop and implement strategies targeting these barriers/facilitators to improve CRC screening rates and reduce the CRC burden among residents of Appalachia.
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Gupta S, Sussman DA, Doubeni CA, Anderson DS, Day L, Deshpande AR, Elmunzer BJ, Laiyemo AO, Mendez J, Somsouk M, Allison J, Bhuket T, Geng Z, Green BB, Itzkowitz SH, Martinez ME. Challenges and possible solutions to colorectal cancer screening for the underserved. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju032. [PMID: 24681602 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. CRC incidence and mortality can be reduced through screening. However, in the United States, screening participation remains suboptimal, particularly among underserved populations such as the uninsured, recent immigrants, and racial/ethnic minority groups. Increasing screening rates among underserved populations will reduce the US burden of CRC. In this commentary focusing on underserved populations, we highlight the public health impact of CRC screening, list key challenges to screening the underserved, and review promising approaches to boost screening rates. We identify four key policy and research priorities to increase screening among underserved populations: 1) actively promote the message, "the best test is the one that gets done"; 2) develop and implement methods to identify unscreened individuals within underserved population groups for screening interventions; 3) develop and implement approaches for organized screening delivery; and 4) fund and enhance programs and policies that provide access to screening, diagnostic follow-up, and CRC treatment for underserved populations. This commentary represents the consensus of a diverse group of experts in cancer control and prevention, epidemiology, gastroenterology, and primary care from across the country who formed the Coalition to Boost Screening among the Underserved in the United States. The group was organized and held its first annual working group meeting in conjunction with the World Endoscopy Organization's annual Colorectal Cancer Screening Committee meeting during Digestive Disease Week 2012 in San Diego, California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Gupta
- Affiliations of authors: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA (SG); University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, CA (SG, MEM); Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL (DAS, ARD); Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Perelman School of Medicine, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, and the Center for Public Health Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (CAD); Southern California Kaiser Permanente Group, San Diego, CA (DAS); San Francisco General Hospital; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (LD, MS, JA); Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI (BJE); Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC (AOL); MD Incorporated, Encinitas, CA (JM); Kaiser Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, CA (JA); Alameda County Medical Center, Oakland, CA (TB); University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX (ZG); Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA (BBG); Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (SHI); Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA (MEM)
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Roen EL, Roubidoux MA, Joe AI, Russell TR, Soliman AS. Adherence to screening mammography among American Indian women of the Northern Plains. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 139:897-905. [PMID: 23749344 PMCID: PMC3760373 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2580-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a burden for American Indian (AI) women who have younger age at diagnosis and higher stage of disease. Rural areas also have had less access to screening mammography. An Indian Health Service Mobile Women's Health Unit (MWHU) was implemented to improve mammogram screening of AI women in the Northern Plains. Our purpose was to determine the past adherence to screening mammography at a woman's first presentation to the MWHU for mammogram screening. Date of the most recent prior non-MWHU mammogram was obtained from mammography records. Adherence to screening guidelines was defined as the prior mammogram occurring 1-2 years before the first MWHU visit among women >41 years, and was the main outcome, whereas, age and clinic site were predictors. Adherence was compared with national data of the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC). Among 1,771 women >41 years, adherence to screening mammography guidelines was 48.01 % among >65 years, 42.05 % among 50-64 years, 33.43 % among 41-49 years, and varied with clinic site (25.23-65.93 %). Age (p < 0.0001) and clinic site (p < 0.0001) were associated with adherence. Overall, adherence to screening mammography guidelines was found in 39.86 % (706/1771) of MWHU women versus 74.34 % (747,095/1,004,943) of BCSC women. The majority (60.14 %) of women at first presentation to the MWHU had not had mammograms in the previous 2 years, lower screening adherence than nationally (25.66 %). Adherence was lowest among women ages 41-49, and varied with clinic site. Findings suggest disparities in mammography screening among these women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Roen
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Marilyn A. Roubidoux
- Division of Breast Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2910H Taubman Center, SPC 5326, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Annette I. Joe
- Division of Breast Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2910H Taubman Center, SPC 5326, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tina R. Russell
- Midwest Division, Community Partnerships of South Dakota, American Cancer Society, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Amr S. Soliman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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Zhang Y, Bu Y, Gao H. Rural–urban disparities of breast cancer patients in China. Med Oncol 2012; 30:387. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-012-0387-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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