Patterns of Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Risk Factors, and Screening in Kentucky

Background: Colorectal cancer incidence rates are higher in Kentucky than in the United States in general, and there are regional variations within the state. Methods: This study investigates these variations in relation to lifestyle and health behaviors, combining data from the Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. We used Kentucky's fifteen Area Development Districts (ADDs) as units of analysis across a five-year period from 1993 to 97. Results: Differences were observed across ADDs. ADDs with a higher prevalence of risk factors, with the exception of chronic alcohol drinking, had lower CRC rates. ADDs with a higher proportion of respondents having had recent routine check-ups had higher CRC incidence rates. Conclusions: In general, healthier lifestyles and positive health-related behaviors were associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence. This may be explained by the tendency for healthier individuals to receive regular check-ups and screening, thus increasing the detection rate of colorectal cancer.