The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38431

Steven S. Coughlin, PhD, MPH¹, Trevor D. Thompson, BS¹, Laura Seeff, MD², Thomas Richards, MD¹, and Fred Stallings, MD¹. (1) Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE (K-55), Atlanta, GA 30341, (770) 488-4776, sic9@cdc.gov, (2) NCCDPHP/Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE MS K-55, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717

Context. The “Southern Black Belt” is a term used for more than 100 years to describe a sub-region of the Southern U.S. that includes counties with high concentrations of African Americans, accompanied by high levels of poverty, unemployment, and relatively high rates of preventable cancers. Objectives. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we examined the colorectal cancer screening practices of African American and white men and women aged >=50 years in nonmetropolitan counties of the Black Belt region; compared those rates with persons in other counties of Southern states and in the rest of the U.S.; and, examined correlates of colorectal cancer screening in the Black Belt region. These predominantly rural counties had sizeable African American populations (> 24.5% of county residents). Results. Colorectal cancer screening rates varied by race and region. In 1997 and 1999, 29.3% of African American women in Black Belt counties reported ever receiving a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), compared to 36.9% in non-Black Belt counties, and 42.5% in the rest of the U.S. Among white women, 37.7% in Black Belt counties, 44.0% in non-Black Belt counties and 45.3% in the rest of the U.S. ever received a FOBT. Overall similar patterns were noted among both men and women regarding ever use of either FOBT, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy. Screening rates varied less by race than region. Conclusions. These results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that men and women in nonmetropolitan areas of the South receive educational messages, outreach, and provider recommendations about the importance of routine colorectal cancer screening.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants will be able to

1)describe the colorectal cancer screening rates of African American and white men and women in nonmetropolitan counties of 11 Southern states,
• evaluate how those rates compare with other regions of the U.S., and
• recognize the need for continued efforts to ensure that men and women in nonmetropolitan areas of the South receive educational messages, outreach, and provider recommendations about the importance of routine colorectal cancer screening.

Keywords: African American, Cancer Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.