Understanding Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening Among Individuals Experiencing Housing Insecurity in Los Angeles.
Burra, Arun; Gonzales, Nikko; Jiang, Joshua; Zhang, Shiliang; Obasi, Mary; Eeraveni, Ananya; Garcia Jimenez, Maria; Goldgar, Sarah
Why this matters
Cancer screening gaps for unhoused patients start well before the screening itself. Among UCLA Mobile Clinic patients experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, fewer than half of those aged 45 or older had a primary care provider or had been screened for colorectal cancer.
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death among unhoused people, and the limited prior studies on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in this group have shown low rates of screening. Physicians administered surveys to patients at the UCLA Mobile Clinic who were experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Fewer than 50% of respondents aged 45 or older had a primary care provider or had undergone CRC screening. Helping unhoused patients obtain health insurance and establish care with a PCP may improve CRC screening rates.