​Research suggests that recurrence and survival from colorectal cancer are worse in men than in women but the causes for this are unclear. The authors used 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data to assess for sex differences in colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) within a large, contemporary population-based sample in California and examine the impact of income, education, and insurance status on sex differences in CRCS.

The authors concluded that women are less likely to undergo CRCS than men, but poor health care access is associated with low CRCS in both sexes. Conventional strategies aimed at improving health care access should also include sex-specific interventions that raise awareness about preventive care to most effectively optimize CRCS.  

Publication Authors:

• Sarah S. Yager, MD
• et al