Rural disparities in receipt of colorectal cancer screening among adults ages 50-64 with disabilities

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Study investigated whether urban/rural disparities in colorectal cancer screening exist among people with disabilities, similar to the disparities found in the general population. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey annual data files were analyzed from 2002 to 2008. Logistic regression analyses examined the relationship between urban/rural residence and ever having received screening for colorectal cancer (via colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or fecal occult blood test). Results showed that among adults aged 50 to 64 years with disabilities, those living in rural areas were significantly less likely to have ever received any type of screening for colorectal cancer. The urban/rural difference was statistically significant regardless of whether or not the analysis controlled for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and health care access variables. Disparity in screening for colorectal cancer places rural residents with disabilities at greater risk for late stage diagnosis and mortality relative to people with disabilities in urban areas. The results suggest that there is a need for strategies to improve screening among people with disabilities in rural areas.

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