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The Relationship of Health Numeracy to Cancer Screening

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Abstract

Health numeracy is associated with increased understanding of cancer risk reduction information and improved control of chronic disease. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a primary care population to evaluate the effect of health numeracy on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. No association was found between health numeracy and cancer screening. However, at a baseline screening rate of 85%, increased knowledge (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.08) and decreased perceived barriers (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.95) were associated with increased screening rates. In conclusion, health numeracy was not predictive of cancer screening among a primary care population.

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Correspondence to Marilyn M. Schapira.

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Supported by National Institute of Health grant 5R01CA115621.

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Schapira, M.M., Neuner, J., Fletcher, K.E. et al. The Relationship of Health Numeracy to Cancer Screening. J Canc Educ 26, 103–110 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-010-0133-7

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