The Impact of Cardiovascular Diseases on Cancer Screening Utilization: Evidence from a 2016–2024 U.S. National Study
Abstract
Adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a growing U.S. population with complex healthcare needs. While regular cancer screening (CS) is recommended for eligible adults, it is unclear whether the presence of CVD influences engagement in CS. There is limited literature examining CS utilization across specific CVDs, including coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Evaluating CS patterns by CVD status at the U.S. national level is essential for informing prevention strategies among high-risk populations. Using nationally representative 2016–2024 BRFSS data, this study examines the association between CVD status (including CHD, MI, and stroke) and CS utilization among U.S. adults, stratified by sex and age-specific CS recommendations. Weighted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to perform analyses. The weighted and adjusted odds (WAO) of cervical (N= 385,122; 21-65 years old ‘YO’) CS among females with a history of MI were 18% (95% CI: 0.68, 0.98), significantly smaller than the WAO of corresponding CS among females without MI. The WAO of female colorectal (N= 326,058; 50-75 YO), male colorectal (N= 296,863; 50-75 YO) and male prostate (N= 118,305; 55-69 YO) CS among individuals with CHD were 22% (95% CI: 1.10, 1.36), 30% (95% CI: 1.20, 1.42) and 27% (95% CI: 1.14, 1.42) significantly greater, respectively, than the WAO of corresponding CS among individuals with no CHD. Additionally, marital status significantly modified the association between CHD and CS. Separated or divorced males with CHD had 43% significantly greater WAO (95% CI: 1.23, 1.66) of colorectal CS than their counterparts without CHD. These results demonstrate that specific CVDs are associated with significant differences in CS uptake, highlighting the importance of guideline-based preventive care to reduce health disparities and the risk of complications from comorbid conditions.
