To examine changes in cancer screening rates and disparities among middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic using longitudinal data from the NSHAP survey.
Approach:
Study Design: Utilized longitudinal data from NSHAP Round 3 (2015-2016) and Round 4 (2021-2023) to analyze colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer screening rates.
Population: Included 2,585 participants aged 50 or older who answered both surveys, focusing on specific age groups for each type of cancer screening.
Data Collection: Conducted in-person and remote surveys to assess past-year screening status and demographic factors.
Key Findings:
Cancer screening rates for breast and colorectal cancer had been increasing prior to the pandemic, according to longitudinal data.
Certain subpopulations, including Hispanic and Black individuals, exhibited lower screening rates and higher mortality, as indicated by previous studies.
The pandemic led to significant delays in cancer screenings, particularly among at-risk groups, as reported in the NSHAP survey.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Exclusions based on cancer risk or medical history were not applied due to data limitations.
The analysis may not fully capture the long-term impacts of the pandemic on screening behaviors.
Conclusion:
This study provides insights into changes in cancer screening behaviors during the pandemic.
