Disparities in the use of colorectal cancer screening in a universally insured population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the known efficacy of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, the rates of individuals undergoing such testing have remained lower than target thresholds, even prior to the healthcare disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRC screening within a nationally representative US population and assessed disparities in screening across racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomic (SES) strata.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study using all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries aged 45-64 years between FY 2018 and 2021. High-risk individuals, those with a previous or current CRC diagnosis, and/or a personal/family history of colonic polyps, were excluded. The pre-COVID-19 period (September 1, 2018

SUBMITTER: Munigala S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10524012 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature