Prevalence of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings among select New York City populations

Laura C. Wyatt · 2025-09-30

Abstract

Background

Prior studies have found racial and ethnic disparities in cancer screenings, yet smaller minority ethnic groups are often aggregated.

Methods

Data from the 2021–2022 Community Health Resources and Needs Assessment (Cancer CHRNA) and the 2017–2020 NYC Community Health Survey (CHS) examined the prevalence of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings among Eastern European, Afro-Caribbean, Latine, Chinese, Korean, South Asian, and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) groups in New York City. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted relative risks of cancer screening outcomes by group.

Results

Up-to-date mammogram screening was low (< 70%) among all groups except Afro-Caribbean in the Cancer CHRNA; and among South Asian, Chinese, and Eastern European groups in the CHS. In logistic regression, South Asian and SWANA groups were less likely to have received an up-to-date mammogram compared to the Afro-Caribbean group in the Cancer CHRNA; no group differences were found in the CHS. Up-to-date Pap screening was low (< 70%) among all groups except Latina in the Cancer CHRNA; and among South Asian and Chinese groups in the CHS. In logistic regression, all other groups were less likely to have received an up-to-date Pap test compared to the Latina group in the Cancer CHRNA; and Chinese and South Asian groups were less likely to have received an up-to-date Pap test compared to the Latina group in the CHS. Up-to-date colonoscopy screening was low (< 70%) among all groups in the Cancer CHRNA; and among SWANA, South Asian, Chinese, and Eastern European groups in the CHS. In logistic regression, all groups except Chinese were less likely to have received an up-to-date colonoscopy compared to the Eastern European group in the Cancer CHRNA; and the Chinese and SWANA groups were less likely to have received an up-to-date colonoscopy compared to the Afro-Caribbean group in the CHS.

Conclusions

Disparities in cancer screenings differed by screening type and survey, with larger disparities found among groups in the Cancer CHRNA. System level efforts are needed to monitor cancer screening disparities by disaggregating diverse groups; culturally tailored strategies should be used to raise awareness to increase screening.

Clinical trial information

Not applicable.

Journal
BMC Cancer
Funding
NYU-CUNY Prevention Research Center - Revision - 5- 24-003DP21-003 NYC Cancer Outreach Network in Neighborhoods for Equity and Community TranslationCommunity Outreach and EngagementDune Road Foundation, Inc. Funding

NCCDPHP CDC HHS

U48 DP006848

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation

U01DP006643

Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute

P30CA016087