The relationship of health numeracy to cancer screening

Marilyn M. Schapira, Joan Neuner, Kathlyn E. Fletcher, Mary Ann Gilligan, Elisabeth Gee, Purushottam Laud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Health numeracy is associated with increased understanding of cancer risk reduction information and improved control of chronic disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a primary care population to evaluate the effect of health numeracy on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. No association was found between health numeracy and cancer screening. However, at a baseline screening rate of 85%, increased knowledge (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.08) and decreased perceived barriers (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.95) were associated with increased screening rates. In conclusion, health numeracy was not predictive of cancer screening among a primary care population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)103-110
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Cancer Education
Volume26
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Keywords

  • Cancer screening
  • Health numeracy
  • Primary care population

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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