Health Priorities and Health-Seeking Behaviors of Old Order Anabaptists in Southern Ontario With Emphasis on Cancer Screening

Abstract

Background: Cancer-screening rates are low among Old Order Anabaptists; the burden of cancer is unknown. Purpose: To investigate cancer and health in the Old Order Anabaptist context. Specifically, to describe health priorities and health-seeking behaviors, crudely estimate cancer burden, and identify predictors of cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to households around Perth County, Ontario, in January 2014. Results: Response rate was 45%. Cancer burden was low. Cancer was a lower priority than general and mental health. After adjustment, family/friends motivated cancer screening for regular screeners (OR: 6.38, 95% CI [1.93, 21.07]) and symptoms was reported to motivate those underscreened/never screened (OR: 0.48, 95% CI [0.24, 0.96]). Conclusion: Cancer-screening participation may be low because the burden of cancer is low and there are other high-priority health concerns. Implications: Integrated cancer screening and holistic care may improve participation.