Demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and dietary correlates of cancer screening in African Americans

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.