Physical disability status was not significantly associated with compliance with up-to-date colorectal cancer screenings in US adults (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.81-1.11).
Cross-Sectional (n=11,856)
Does physical disability reduce up-to-date colorectal cancer screening compliance in adults living in the US?
Physical disability status was not significantly associated with disparities in up-to-date colorectal cancer screening compliance in a US national survey.
Effect estimate: OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.81-1.11)
e13747 Background: Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men and women combined, with an estimated 158,850 new cases in 2026. While mortality has decreased due to increases in screening and prevention, major disparities persist in access to these services. Although USPSTF guidelines strongly recommend routine screenings, patients with physical disabilities face disproportionate barriers to access. The objective of this study was to examine whether physical disability was associated with compliance with USPSTF-recommended colorectal cancer screenings in adults living in the US. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was performed using the 2023 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) dataset. Adults aged 18 years and older with available data on disability status and cancer screening measures were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of individuals with a prior colectomy or a history of ulcerative colitis or colorectal cancer. The primary exposure was physical disability status, and the main outcome was up-to-date colorectal cancer screening status. Covariates include age, race/ethnicity, education, income-to-poverty ratio, urban–rural classification, health insurance status, and selected comorbidities. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among 11,856 adults included in the analysis, 7.5% had a physical disability (n = 887). There was no statistically significant association between physical disability status and compliance with colorectal screenings (OR 0.95 CI, 0.81-1.11). Several covariates were independently associated with screening adherence. Conclusions: The absence of significant disparity in colorectal cancer suggests that current screening infrastructure and guidelines may be effectively mitigating disability-related disparities in colorectal cancer screening. Futurestudies should identify the factors that contribute to equitable colorectal cancer screening access and examine how these successful strategies can be applied to reduce disparities in other preventive cancer screenings. Adjusted associations between physical disability status and colorectal screening compliance status. Physical Disability Status Colorectal Cancer Screening Compliance Adjusted 1 OR 2 (95% CI 3 ) No Reference Yes 0.95 (0.81-1.11) 1 Odds ratio; 2 Confidence interval; 3 adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, income-to-poverty ratio, urban–rural classification, health insurance status, and selected comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, immunocompromised, anxiety, and depression).
Bravo et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Colorectal cancer screening (n=11,856). Physical disability vs. No physical disability was evaluated on Up-to-date colorectal cancer screening status (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81-1.11). Physical disability status was not significantly associated with compliance with up-to-date colorectal cancer screenings in US adults (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.81-1.11).