*EMBARGOED All research presented at the 2024 ACG Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course is strictly embargoed until Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET.
P3828 – Impact of Neighborhood-Level Transportation Insecurity on Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET | Exhibit Hall E
Author Insight from Misha Gautam, MD
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
Transportation Insecurity is a Significant Barrier to Colorectal Cancer Screening
Our study presents new evidence linking neighborhood-level transportation insecurity to significantly lower colorectal cancer screening rates. It highlights that limited access to a vehicle and the necessity of walking or using public transit to commute are underappreciated factors affecting cancer screening participation. For clinicians, the key takeaway is that transportation insecurity should be considered a critical social determinant of health (SDOH) when addressing colon cancer screening adherence, especially in areas lacking proximity to healthcare facilities. Clinicians must consider screening patients for transportation barriers during primary care visits and prioritizing these patients for alternative access options such as assistance in arranging transportation services, finding clinics closer to home, or exploring at-home screening tests. Additionally, our findings call for proactive initiatives by policymakers to address this issue to enable earlier colon cancer detection, thereby improving health outcomes especially in underserved communities.
What do patients need to know?
How Transportation Challenges Can Impact Your Health: Study Links Lack of Access to Lower Cancer Screening Rates
Patients should be aware that having reliable transportation is more important for their health than they might realize. This research shows that people who don’t have access to a car or live far from healthcare facilities, are less likely to get recommended cancer screenings like colonoscopies. Missing these screenings could increase their risk of late colon cancer detection. If patients face transportation issues, they should talk to their healthcare provider about it.
Author Contact
Misha Gautam, MD
University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine
Kansas City, MO
misha.gautam [at] umkc.edu
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