Cancer history and cardiovascular diseases: Implications for colorectal and breast cancer screening

PurposeCancer survivors and those with cardiovascular diseases have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Undergoing colorectal cancer screening and mammogram uptake within the recommended intervals have the potential to improve early detection. However, the potential impact of cancer history and cardiovascular disease on colorectal cancer screening and mammogram uptake remains unexamined.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2019, 2021, and 2023 National Health Interview Survey data. Our outcomes of interest were up-to-date colorectal cancer screening and mammogram uptake. Our exposures of interest were cancer history and cardiovascular disease. We used weighted multivariable logistic regressions to examine these associations and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, healthcare access, and the year respondents took the survey.ResultsMost respondents had up-to-date colorectal cancer screening (73.1%) and mammogram uptake (77.8%). Most respondents did not report a history of cancer (colorectal cancer screening sample: 85.1%, mammogram uptake sample: 84.6%) or cardiovascular disease (colorectal cancer screening sample: 87.7%, mammogram uptake sample: 90.1%). Having a history of cancer was associated with increased odds of having up-to-date colorectal cancer screening (OR, 1.74, 95% CI, 1.56-1.95). However, respondents with cardiovascular disease, but no cancer history, had decreased odds of mammogram uptake (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.91).DiscussionThe history of cancer was associated with increased colorectal cancer screening uptake. Contrarily, cardiovascular diseases were associated with decreased mammogram uptake. Generally, healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of up-to-date colorectal cancer screening and mammogram uptake. However, our findings suggest that primary care and educational initiatives tailored toward those with cardiovascular disease that aim to improve mammogram uptake are needed.