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Demographic, Behavioral, Psychosocial, and Dietary Correlates of Cancer Screening in African Americans
- Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 18, Number 4 Supplement, November 2007
- pp. 146-164
- 10.1353/hpu.2007.0114
- Article
- Additional Information
Purpose: We examined demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and dietary correlates of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer screening in a population-based sample of African Americans in North Carolina (n=405). Methods: Cross-sectional data of African Americans in North Carolina were analyzed using linear regression models. Results: Seventy-eight percent of men had obtained prostate screening (PSA test) and 81% of women had received breast cancer screening (mammogram) during the previous two years. Screening rates for CRC were lower (48% women, 31% men in the previous ten years). Older age, college education, and being married were associated with all screening modalities, as was belief in a diet-cancer relationship with PSA testing and mammography. There were correlations of former smoking, obesity, and healthy eating self-efficacy with PSA testing, and family/personal cancer history with CRC screening. Screening for all cancers was associated with lower fat consumption, and PSA testing with high fruit/vegetable intake (p<.05). Conclusions: Cancer screening was prevalent, but rates did not approach national targets. Knowledge of these correlates can be used to design effective cancer screening interventions for African Americans.