Participation in Colorectal Cancer Screening among Migrants and Non-Migrants in Germany: Results of a Population Survey

Abstract

Colorectal cancer screening can contribute to reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Findings on disparities in the utilization of colorectal cancer screening between migrants and non-migrants have been inconsistent, with some studies reporting lower, and some higher utilization among migrants. The aim of the present study was to examine potential disparities in fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy among migrants in Germany. Data from a population survey on 11,757 men and women aged ≥50 years is used. Using multivariable logistic regression, the utilization of fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy was compared between non-migrants, migrants from EU countries and migrants from non-EU countries, adjusting for socio-economic factors and also taking into account intersectional differences by sex and age. The study shows that migrants from the EU (adjusted OR = 0.73; 95%-CI: 0.57, 0.94) and from non-EU countries (adjusted OR = 0.39; 95%-CI: 0.31, 0.50) were less likely to utilize fecal occult blood testing than non-migrants. No disparities for the use of colonoscopy were observed. The findings are in line with studies from other countries and can be indicative of different barriers migrants encounter in the health system. Adequate strategies taking into account the diversity of migrants are needed to support informed decision-making among this population group.

Colorectal cancer literacy and related factors in northeast of Iran: A cross‐sectional study

“…Likewise, another study revealed that lack of CRC screening is related with lowsocioeconomic status. 30,31 The results showed that was no significant relationship between age and knowledge and attitude, respectively. Consistently, previous study reported similar results.…”

“…The results showed that marital status was a predictive factor for attitude and female participants had better attitude. Likewise, another study revealed that lack of CRC screening is related with low‐socioeconomic status 30,31 …”

“…Likewise, another study revealed that lack of CRC screening is related with low‐socioeconomic status. 30 , 31 …”

Participatory development of a manual for the implementation of diversity-sensitive palliative and hospice care in Germany: a mixed-methods study protocol

“…with regard to a higher prevalence of several non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic pain, and certain psychological conditions [ 2 – 5 ]. The majority of studies on early cancer detection in Germany have further shown that migrants are less likely to use screening services for early detection of skin, cervical, and colon cancer [ 6 – 8 ], while participation rates for mammography screening were generally higher among women with a Turkish migration background and German resettlers from Eastern Europe [ 9 , 10 ]. Similarly, migrants are less likely to use hospice or palliative care services [ 11 , 12 ].…”