Everyday discrimination and cancer screening: A cross-sectional analysis

Background: We examined the association between perceived discrimination and adherence to breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening recommendations among residents in a South Florida cancer center catchment area (n = 716).Methods: Perceived discrimination was measured using the nine-item ‘Everyday Discrimination Scale’ and operationalized into quartiles (frequency of experiences, ranging from 1 = never to 6 = almost every day) Survey-weighted logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multivariable models adjusted for age, insurance, comorbidity, and history of cancer as well as gender for colorectal cancer screening.Results: Participants reporting the highest frequency of discrimination had 4.69 times greater odds of being overdue for cervical cancer screening compared to those with the lowest discrimination scores (95% CI 1.4–15.2). However, there were no significant associations between perceived discrimination and up-to-date colorectal or breast cancer screenings.Discussion: Populations experiencing discrimination may have increased risk of being overdue for cervical cancer screening. The sensitive nature of the test itself may make distrust/mistrust in providers or the healthcare system a particularly salient barrier to routine uptake, explaining the observed association with interpersonal discrimination. Further research to understand how discrimination may directly or indirectly pose barriers to timely cervical cancer screening is needed.