Factors associated with breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening participation in Inland Northern California

Background: Cancer screening reduces morbidity and mortality, yet participation varies across populations. NCI-designated cancer centers’ catchment area population assessments (CAPA) provide regional insight into screening patterns and determinants.Methods: Data from the 2024 University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center CAPA survey examined factors associated with cancer screening among adults in a 19-county region of inland Northern California. The survey included 2,007 respondents from 25,000 sampled addresses (8% response rate). Household-level weights were applied to represent the proportion of households with at least one adult eligible in which the respondent participated in the assessed screening outcome. Survey-weighted logistic regression examined associations between screening participation and sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, and health-related factors.Results: Among eligible households, weighted respondent screening participation was 82.6% (breast), 73.4% (cervical), and 80.7% (colorectal). Higher socioeconomic status and recent healthcare use were associated with greater participation. Breast screening participation was lower among American Indian/Alaska Native participants, non-heterosexual individuals, current smokers, and those reporting barriers to care. Marital status was associated with colorectal screening. No significant rural-urban differences were observed.Discussion: Screening participation varied by population subgroup and cancer type, reflecting differences in screening behaviors and highlighting the need for targeted cancer screening and prevention approaches.