Appalachian knowledge of cancer and screening intentions

Background. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess levels of knowledge about cancer and behavioral intentions regarding cancer screening from a representative sample of adults residing in 51 Appalachian counties in Kentucky. Methods. A random-digit-dialed telephone survey obtained 696 interviews and provided a 4% margin of error. Results. Findings showed that knowledge of cancer screening was generally low and uniform by age and educational attainment. Logistic regression models demonstrated that possessing insurance was an important predictor of those likely to obtain cancer screening. Conclusions. Having a family history of breast cancer or a family history of prostate cancer were not significant predictors for obtaining mammograms or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.