Abstract
A97
African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the US for most cancers. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in African American men and women. Higher death rates from colorectal cancer account for 25% and 11% of the disparity in cancer death rates between African American and White women and men, respectively. Possible contributors to these disparities include barriers to knowledge concerning cancer prevention, early detection and treatment services. Of the efforts designed to address cancer health disparities, interventions that involve significant others and programs/education offered in “natural” environments are likely successful. Social networks such as peers, family, and friends provide venues for education and accountability as do community organizations, such as churches and community centers. This study utilizes data obtained from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to assess the influence of social networks on racial differences in knowledge toward colon cancer detection and prevention. HINTS is a cross-sectional health communication survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized, adult population. Data for HINTS 2005 were collected from February 2005 through August 2005 utilizing a list-assisted random-digit-dial method. Descriptive statistics was used to uncover racial differences in knowledge of colon cancer causes, symptoms and benefits of colon cancer screening. Additionally, logistic regression was used to determine whether social networks exacerbates or attenuates any observed racial differences in knowledge of colon cancer. Compared to Whites,a smaller percentage of Blacks believe that getting checked regularly for colon cancer increases the chances of finding cancer when it’s easy to treat. Additionally, Blacks are more likely to believe that colon cancer is most often caused by a person’s behavior andmore likely to have the misperception that pain or other symptoms would be experienced prior to colon cancer diagnosis. Examination of social network factors revealed that Blacks attend religious services more often than Whites and are more likely to rely on community services for health information. While Whites are more likely to report having friends and family to discuss health issues, Black respondents report more frequent health related discussions with family and friends. Regression analyses revealed significance of the overall model (χ2 = 43.72, p<.05) predicting agreement/disagreement with the following statement: People with colon cancer would have pain or other symptoms prior to being diagnosed. Additionally, race was independently associated with participant response to this statement. Compared to Blacks, the odds of Whites disagreeing with the above statement is 3.42 times the odds of Blacks disagreeing with the statement. Given Blacks’ increased reliance on social networks, cancer health information programs within social/community settings are likely to address cancer health disparities. Interventions that educate Blacks about cancer symptoms are particularly necessary for addressing colorectal cancer. Additionally, programs incorporating community based participatory approaches are more likely suitable for underserved populations that are less likely to seek medical care services.
First AACR International Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities-- Nov 27-30, 2007; Atlanta, GA