A Retrospective Analysis of Gender-Based Difference in Adherence to Initial Colon Cancer Screening Recommendations

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, despite being largely preventable and treatable. Improving overall screening rates among both men and women is considered an important and effective strategy toward reducing morbidity and mortality from CRC. In order to optimize screening strategies, factors associated with decreased compliance need to be understood. This study aimed to compare initial CRC screening rates between males and females in a population of patients who presented for an annual physical examination. Methods: A retrospective chart review study of 380 patients designed to compare rates of initial CRC screening between males and females was conducted. Patients who were seen at our institution for an annual physical examination and were between 51 and 60 years of age were included. Results: There was no evidence of a difference in the rate of initial colon cancer screening between females (83.0%) and males (80.9%) in either unadjusted analysis (odds ratio = 1.16, P = .59) or in multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounding variables (odds ratio = 1.16, P = .61). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the rate of initial CRC screening between males and females who presented for an annual physical examination. This suggests that designing interventions to improve screening specific to gender may not be needed in a population of patients who attend routine preventive health examinations. Further study is needed in the general population to examine for gender-based differences in initial CRC screening among patients who do not regularly follow up for preventive examinations.

Preventative Cancer Screening Rates Among Uninsured Patients in Free Clinics: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Cancer Survivors and Non-cancer Survivors

“…This is consistent with a recent study that showed no significant gender-based difference in CRC screening practices. 19 The patients who received screenings were younger, on average, than those who did not. However, there were no significant differences in age of participants receiving CRC and cervical cancer screening, while the patients receiving a mammogram were significantly younger than patients not receiving it.…”

“…This is consistent with a recent study that showed no significant gender-based difference in CRC screening practices. 19 …”

Screening Recommendation Adherence Among First-Degree Relatives of People With Colorectal Cancer

“…Among those without a family history of CRC, neither the current study nor the former found an association between gender and CRC screening adherence among the general population. Other studies regarding in the general population have reported mixed results [27]. Additional research is needed to clarify the inconsistent results and determine the causes of any gender-based disparities.…”

Impact on the Volume of Pathology Reports Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in SEER Cancer Registries

“…The analysis of O/E ratios shows the differential impact by sex was more severe in relation to biopsy procedures (0.89 female, 0.93 male) and was not observed for surgical procedures (0.89 female; 0.89 male). There is no strong evidence for gender-related differences in the rate of initial colorectal screening between males and females ( 34 ). However, based on pre-pandemic data more women are eligible and undergo cancer screening for breast, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer than eligible men for colorectal cancer ( 35 ).…”