Using CT Encounters to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Utilization: Cross-Sectional Survey Results from the National Health Interview Survey

Abstract Purpose Millions of patients undergo CT imaging examinations every year. These encounters may represent opportunities to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among patients who have not received recommended CRC screening. Using a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, our purpose was to estimate the proportion of patients who have undergone CT examinations who have not received recommended CRC screening. Methods Survey respondents aged 45-75 years in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey without history of CRC were included. Proportion of patients who have undergone CT examinations among those who have not received recommended CRC screening was estimated. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and CRC screening adherence. Analyses were conducted accounting for complex survey design features. Results 16,206 survey respondents met inclusion criteria. 44.3% (43.1, 45.5) reported having ever received a CT scan and 50.8% (49.6, 51.9) underwent CRC screening. Among those who previously had CT scans, Asian race participants and participants without health insurance coverage had lower odds of adherence, while increasing household income and education were associated with higher odds of adherence (p Conclusion Among patients who have not received recommended CRC screening, nearly 1 out of 3 report having undergone a CT examination. CT encounters may represent opportunities to improve overall CRC screening rates.