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Appalachian knowledge of cancer and screening intentions

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Abstract

Background. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess levels of knowledge about cancer and behavioral intentions regarding cancer screening from a representative sample of adults residing in 51 Appalachian counties in Kentucky. Methods. A random-digit-dialed telephone survey obtained 696 interviews and provided a 4% margin of error. Results. Findings showed that knowledge of cancer screening was generally low and uniform by age and educational attainment. Logistic regression models demonstrated that possessing insurance was an important predictor of those likely to obtain cancer screening. Conclusions. Having a family history of breast cancer or a family history of prostate cancer were not significant predictors for obtaining mammograms or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, 637 Patterson Office Tower, 40506-0027, Lexington, KY

    David Royse PhD, MSW

  2. Prevention Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY

    Mark Dignan PhD, MPH

Authors
  1. David Royse PhD, MSW
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  2. Mark Dignan PhD, MPH
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Correspondence to David Royse PhD, MSW.

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Royse, D., Dignan, M. Appalachian knowledge of cancer and screening intentions. J Canc Educ 24, 357–362 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190902876577

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