Assessing the Role of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Reducing Racial Disparities in Prevention Behaviors and Health Outcomes Between Black and White Participants
Principal Investigator
Name
Christian Okitondo
Degrees
M.S
Institution
University of Georgia
Position Title
PhD Student | Graduate Student Researcher
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1435
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Jan 4, 2024
Title
Assessing the Role of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Reducing Racial Disparities in Prevention Behaviors and Health Outcomes Between Black and White Participants
Summary
This research aims to evaluate whether randomization to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces racial disparities in cancer prevention behaviors and outcomes between Black and White participants. Despite improvements in screening and treatment, significant disparities persist, with Black populations experiencing higher CRC incidence and mortality rates compared to White populations. The study focuses on determining whether equal access to CRC screening leads to comparable behavior changes (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity) between Black and White participants, and whether disparities in diagnosis and mortality outcomes remain. By exploring both neighborhood and individual-level factors, this research aims to identify if additional interventions beyond screening are necessary to eliminate racial disparities in CRC outcomes.
The study's primary objectives include constructing the HBI, quantifying its impact on CRC incidence and mortality, identifying key health behaviors driving disparities, and examining the influence of these behaviors over time. It expects to reveal significant correlations between the HBI and CRC outcomes, identifying specific behaviors disproportionately affecting CRC risk and survival.
This research holds considerable significance in public health, aiming to inform interventions and strategies for reducing CRC disparities. By focusing on modifiable risk factors, the study promises to contribute to targeted prevention and health education, especially for high-risk populations.
Acknowledging potential limitations like confounders in the PLCO dataset and the HBI's potential incompleteness, the research team aims for thorough and insightful analysis. The generalizability of findings may be limited to the study population.
In conclusion, this study aims to enhance understanding of the complex relationship between health behaviors and CRC disparities. By developing and using the HBI, it seeks to uncover behavioral factors influencing CRC incidence and mortality, guiding future interventions and policies to mitigate these disparities and promote health equity.
Aims
Aim 1: To assess whether randomization to CRC screening results in comparable adoption of healthier lifestyle behaviors (e.g., smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, increased physical activity) between Black and White participants.
Aim 2: To examine whether positive behavioral changes mediate racial disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among Black and White participants who received CRC screening.
Aim 3: To investigate whether racial disparities in cancer diagnosis persist between Black and White participants despite equal access to CRC screening.
Collaborators
Christian Okitondo