Cancer-related Disparities among Residents of Appalachia Ohio

Authors

James L. Fisher, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University
Holly L. Engelhardt, Ohio Department of Health
Julie A. Stephens, Center for Biostatistics, Ohio State University
Bette R. Smith, Ohio Department of Health
Georgette G. Haydu, Ohio Department of Health
Robert W. Indian, Ohio Department of Health
Electra D. Paskett, College of Public Health, Ohio State University

Keywords

Appalachia Region; Cancer – Diagnosis; Cancer – Statistics; Cancer Screening; Health surveys; Ohio; Social status – Health aspects; Socioeconomic Differences

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Demography, Population, and Ecology | Oncology | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

Abstract

The authors sought to identify cancer-related disparities in Appalachia Ohio and better understand reasons for the disparities. Data from the Ohio Cancer Incidence Surveillance System, among other sources, were used to examine potential cancer disparities among residents of Appalachia Ohio. Using Ohio census data, the authors examined contributions of household income, educational attainment and population density to disparities in cancer incidence. Results suggest the following disparities in Appalachia Ohio (compared to non-Appalachia Ohio): greater cancer incidence and mortality rates for cancers of the cervix, colon and rectum, lung and bronchus and melanoma of the skin; a later stage at diagnosis of melanoma of the skin; lower prevalence of cancer screening behaviors of mammography, Pap smears, and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy; and less favorable cancer-related behaviors of obesity, physical activity, diet and especially tobacco smoking. Disparities in Appalachia Ohio may be associated with differences in household income, educational attainment and population density.

Recommended Citation

Fisher, James L.; Engelhardt, Holly L.; Stephens, Julie A.; Smith, Bette R.; Haydu, Georgette G.; Indian, Robert W.; and Paskett, Electra D. (2008) "Cancer-related Disparities among Residents of Appalachia Ohio," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 2: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol2/iss2/4