Employees at organizations with fewer than 25 individuals are less likely to be screened for three types of cancer compared to employees at organizations with more than 500 people, according to a study published in the journal Preventative Medicine.
For the study, researchers examined screening rates for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer compiled during the National Health Interview Survey for 2010, 2013 and 2015. In addition to identifying disparities in screenings based on employer size, researchers also identified disparities in screening among certain industries when compared with healthcare workers. Workers in food service, construction and production and sales occupations were 13 percent to 26 percent, 17 percent to 28 percent and 9 percent to 30 percent less likely to be up-to-date on cancer screenings than healthcare professionals, respectively.
"Disparities in cancer screening by occupational characteristics were mostly attributed to lower socioeconomic status and lack of insurance," the study's authors wrote. "These findings underscore the need for innovative public health strategies to improve cancer screening in vulnerable populations."
More articles on population health:
HIMSS: Population health strategies improve outcomes in colon cancer screenings
CDC: Rural Americans at higher risk of suicide
HHS acting secretary declares public health emergencies in wake of Hurricane Nate