Introduction—Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in
Puerto Rico (PR). Given the lack of information on cancer screening behavior, we identified
factors associated with CRC screening among adults aged ≥ 50 years in PR.
Methods—Age eligible adults who participated in the PR- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
System (BRFSS) in 2008 were included in the analysis (n=2,920). Weighted prevalence of fecal
occult blood test (FOBT) within two years and of Sigmoidoscopy/Colonoscopy examination
within five years before the interview were estimated and logistic regression models were used to
assess factors associated with these CRC screening practices.
Results—Overall 8.2% (95% CI 7.1%-9.3%) of the participants had had the FOBT within the
past two years, 39.8% (95% CI 37.7%-41.9%) had sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy examination
within 5 years and 46.7% (95% CI= 44.5%-48.8%) had ever had any type of CRC screening.
Factors positively associated to CRC screening in multivariate analyses included older age, higher
education, and having had a routine check-up in the past year. Gender, body mass index, and other
relevant covariates evaluated were not associated to screening behavior.
Conclusions—Prevalence of CRC screening in PR during 2008 was below the goals established
by Healthy People 2010 (50.0%) and 2020 (70.5%). We provide the first population-based
estimates of CRC screening prevalence and correlates in a US predominantly Hispanic population.
Low adherence to CRC screening may result in late stage at diagnosis and poorer disease
outcomes. Public health efforts should focus on the promotion of CRC screening and early
detection
