Wide Geographic Variation in Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in the U.S. Associated With CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index

Wide Geographic Variation in Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in the U.S. Associated With CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Bauer C, et al. JAMA Netw Open 2022 Sep 1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quantifies social vulnerability in the U.S. at the county level. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) reflects infrastructure, resources, and access to health care. The SVI was previously shown to be associated with COVID incidence and mortality, and obesity. The SVI is based on socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, type of housing, and transportation. 

In an analysis performed in the U.S., the mean county-level colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rate was 61.9% and ranged from 39.8% in an Alaskan county to 74.4% in a Rhode Island county. Screening rates for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer were highest on the coasts and lower in the South and Midwest. For CRC screening, counties in the highest quintile of the SVI had 14% lower screening rates than counties with the lowest SVI.

Douglas K. Rex, MD, FASGE

COMMENT

This detailed study provides additional evidence that social factors have important effects on geographic variation in cancer screening rates and, therefore, cancer prevention, and should be considered and addressed whenever possible in cancer prevention efforts.

Note to readers: At the time we reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.

CITATION(S)

Bauer C, Zhang K, Xiao Q, Lu J, Hong YR, Suk R. County-level social vulnerability and breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates in the US, 2018. JAMA Netw Open 2022;5:e2233429. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33429)

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