The relationship of cancer history and chronic disease status to colorectal cancer screening: A cross-sectional analysis of 2020–2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Purpose We examined whether having a history of cancer and chronic diseases was associated with guideline-concordant colorectal cancer (CRC) screening utilization. Methods Self-reported data from the 2020 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in Oregon and West Virginia were used. Guideline-concordant CRC screening was the outcome of interest. The exposure was having a personal history of cancer, chronic diseases, or both. Multivariable logistic regressions were applied to assess the abovementioned association. Results Among 10,373 respondents aged 45–75 years, 75.5% of those with a history of cancer and chronic diseases had guideline-concordant CRC screening use versus 52.8% of those without any history ( p -value < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, having a history of cancer (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.11–2.71), chronic diseases (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.14–1.59), and both cancer and chronic diseases (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.62–2.82) were positively associated with screening uptake compared to respondents without any history. Regardless of disease history, older age was associated with greater CRC screening uptake ( p -value < 0.05). Among respondents with chronic diseases only or without any condition, those with a health care provider had 1.7-fold and 2.7-fold increased odds of receiving CRC screening, respectively. However, current smokers were 28% and 34% less likely to be screened for CRC among those with chronic diseases only and without any conditions, respectively. Conclusion Having a personal history of cancer and chronic diseases appears to be positively associated with guideline-concordant CRC screening use. Effective implementation of patient-centered communication through primary care initiatives may increase adherence to CRC screening recommendations.