The Impact of Social Vulnerability and Race on Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States, with documented disparities in screening rates across racial lines. This study examined the intersection of race and social vulnerability in CRC screening rates. We examined 117,424 patients eligible for CRC screening in New York State. We assessed CRC screening among individuals aged 45–80 based on Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set guidelines. We used Social Vulnerability Indices (SVIs) geocoded to each patient’s census track. We employed log-binomial multivariate regression models with interaction terms to evaluate the effects of race and social vulnerability on CRC screening rates, while controlling for age, sex, marital status, and community type. Among 117,424 patients eligible for CRC screening, 75.2% of patients (n = 88,276) were effectively screened. Screening rates varied based on race (White 76.2%; Black 64.4%; P < 0.0001). CRC screening rates declined with increasing social vulnerability among both Black and White patients. Among patients in the most socially vulnerable groups, the adjusted rate of screening was 3.8%–8.4% lower for Black patients compared to White patients. In contrast, within the least socially vulnerable (most affluent) group, there was no statistical difference in the rate of CRC screening by race (adjusted risk ratio = 0.981; P = 0.201). The impact of social vulnerability was experienced disproportionately by Black patients. Among patients living in the most vulnerable census tracts, Black patients were significantly less likely to be screened for CRC compared to White patients facing similar social vulnerability. In contrast, we did not observe a difference in screening rates by race in the most affluent (least socially vulnerable) group.