Socioeconomic Inequalities in Colorectal Cancer Screening in Korea, 2005–2015: After the Introduction of the National Cancer Screening Program.
10.3349/ymj.2018.59.9.1034
- Author:
Tran Thi Xuan MAI
1
;
Yoon Young LEE
;
Mina SUH
;
Eunji CHOI
;
Eun Young LEE
;
Moran KI
;
Hyunsoon CHO
;
Boyoung PARK
;
Jae Kwan JUN
;
Yeol KIM
;
Jin Kyoung OH
;
Kui Son CHOI
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea. kschoi@ncc.re.kr, jkoh@ncc.re.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Colorectal neoplasms;
inequalities;
socioeconomic factors;
early detection of cancer
- MeSH:
Colonoscopy;
Colorectal Neoplasms*;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Early Detection of Cancer*;
Education;
Family Characteristics;
Female;
Humans;
Korea*;
Male;
Mass Screening*;
Occult Blood;
Socioeconomic Factors*
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2018;59(9):1034-1040
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate inequalities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in Korea and trends therein using the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative index of inequality (RII) across income and education groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey, an annually conducted, nationwide cross-sectional survey, were utilized. A total of 17174 men and women aged 50 to 74 years were included for analysis. Prior experience with CRC screening was defined as having either a fecal occult blood test within the past year or a lifetime colonoscopy. CRC screening rates and annual percentage changes (APCs) were evaluated. Then, SII and RII were calculated to assess inequality in CRC screening for each survey year. RESULTS: CRC screening rates increased from 23.4% in 2005 to 50.9% in 2015 (APC, 7.8%; 95% CI, 6.0 to 9.6). Upward trends in CRC screening rates were observed for all age, education, and household income groups. Education inequalities were noted in 2009, 2014, and overall pooled estimates in both indices. Income inequalities were inconsistent among survey years, and overall estimates did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Education inequalities in CRC screening among men and women aged 50 to 74 years were observed in Korea. No apparent pattern, however, was found for income inequalities. Further studies are needed to thoroughly outline socio-economic inequalities in CRC screening.
