Barriers to Health Care and Cancer Screening

Are barriers to health care associated with cancer screening rates for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers in a diverse population?In this cohort study of data from 160 691 adults eligible for cancer screening, out-of-pocket costs, nervousness about seeing clinicians, and inability to get time off work were the most cited barriers. In multivariable analyses, cost concerns and logistical barriers were associated with lower screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer.These findings suggest the cumulative burden of barriers to access and those related to cost concerns and logistics are associated with lower screening rates; improved policies and interventions are needed to target multiple dimensions of access simultaneously.

Corresponding Author: Aaron A. Gurayah, MD, New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065 (dab9350@nyp.org).

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