The impact of relationship to cancer patient and extent of caregiving on adherence to cancer screening in a diverse inner-city community

Abstract

Introduction The number of individuals called upon to provide support for cancer patients within their personal networks is steadily increasing. Prior studies show that caregiver screening rates either decrease due to caregiving demands and associated fatalism or increase due to risk perception and healthcare involvement. However, there remains a gap in research in understanding how cancer screening relates to extent of caregiving and relationship to cancer patient, particularly non-family/spouse. This study aims to assess the impact of degrees of relationship to cancer patient(s) and extent of caregiving on adherence to breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal cancer screening guidelines. Methods Participants of Bronx, New York were recruited online or through community events to complete a set of core items adapted from the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey and other sources. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with variation in screening. Results Analyses were based on 1430 participants (73% female, mean age 50 years, 43% Hispanic). An unexpectedly large proportion had cancer within their families (72%) and/or provided some support to a cancer patient (79%). Four support patterns were found- none, emotional support only, less intensive, and more intensive support. Women who provided emotional support only were less likely to be screened for breast and cervical cancer. Among more active caregivers, cervical and prostate cancer screening were greater among those who provided more intensive support. Conclusions Having family or friends with cancer is a normative experience that affects one’s own preventive care. Those with a family member or spouse with cancer have increased personal screening. As involvement in cancer caregiving deepens, one’s own screening rises. Caregivers that provided only emotional support are the exception, potentially because they have greater distance from the cancer experience. Findings suggest the potential value of tailoring interventions to address personal experiences with cancer caregiving.