Racial–Ethnic Disparities in Late-Stage Colorectal Cancer Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites of New Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Hispanics in New Mexico are diagnosed with more later-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) than non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Our study evaluated the interaction of race/ethnicity and risk factors for later-stage III and IV CRC among patients in New Mexico. Method: CRC patients ages 30 to 75 years (n = 163, 46% Hispanic) completed a survey on key explanatory clinical, lifestyle, preventive health, and demographic variables for CRC risk. Adjusted logistic regression models examined whether these variables differentially contributed to later-stage CRC among NHW versus Hispanics. Results: Compared with NHW, Hispanics had a higher prevalence of later-stage CRC (p = .007), diabetes (p = .006), high alcohol consumption (p = .002), low education (p = .003), and CRC diagnosis due to symptoms (p = .06). Compared with NHW, Hispanics reporting high alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 7.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-43.92), lower education (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.28-9.65), being nondiabetic (OR = 3.23; 95% CI = 1.46-7.15), or ever smokers (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.03-5.89) were at higher risk for late-stage CRC. Adjusting for CRC screening did not change the direction or intensity of the odds ratios. Conclusion: The ethnicity—risk factor interactions, identified for late-stage CRC, highlight significant factors for targeted intervention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of later-stage CRC among Hispanics in New Mexico with broad applicability to other Hispanic populations.

Colorectal cancer screening: Understanding the health literacy needs of hispanic rural residents

“…Moreover, findings such as a preference to remain uninformed about a CRC diagnosis “until the end” suggests a need for improved strategies for communicating the value of CRC screening in culturally tailored messages among rural residing Hispanics. Given that tailored messaging has been shown to be an effective means for increasing CRC screening [36]–[38], even among those at greater risk for CRC, such as individuals whose family members have CRC [39], integrating messages that have relevancy and salience for Hispanics into a multi-component intervention is important because Hispanics are often at greater risk for late stage diagnosis [2],[20].…”

“…Given that Hispanics are less likely to get screened [4] and more likely to present with late stage CRC [2],[20], identifying underlying factors associated with screening behavior is crucial for developing effective strategies and interventions to increase screening rates, improve survivability, and thereby impact health disparities. The present study focused on exploring experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of CRC and CRC screening and health literacy deficits that might contribute to low screening rates among Hispanics residing in rural communities of the South Texas Coastal Bend.…”

Protocol for #iBeatCRC: a community-based intervention to increase early-onset colorectal cancer awareness using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach

“…Next, in partnership with six EOCRC advocates-survivors, we will draw on factors associated with hotspots identified in Objective 1 and consideration of EOCRC-related literature—our team’s prior research included—to inform the development of an interview guide for Objective 2 (Year 1) 13 14 27–30. Using the interview guide, we will conduct one-on-one interviews with 20 individuals who received a first diagnosis of CRC at ages 18–49 years.…”

Characterizing Low-Risk Breast and Gynecological Cancer Patients for Transition into an Oncology/Primary Care Coordinated Care Model: Findings from a Survey of Diverse Survivors in a Rural U.S. State

“…Studies document cancer health disparities across the cancer care continuum (i.e., from prevention through survivorship) among racial ethnic minority populations, including Native American/Alaskan, [5] Hispanic/Latinx, and African American populations. [6] Racially and ethnically driven cancer disparities are intensified for residents of rural and frontier areas [7]. A recent national cross-sectional survey shows that upon completion of cancer treatment, patients, in rural and underserved areas, experience unmet physical and psychosocial needs across sixteen survivorship domains, as well as suboptimal rates of preventive and cancer surveillance screening.…”