Modifiable patient-reported factors associated with cancer-screening knowledge and participation in a community-based health assessment

We sought to identify modifiable factors associated with cancer screening in a community-based health assessment. 24 organizations at 47 community events in central North Carolina distributed a 91-item survey from April–December 2017. Responses about (1) interest in disease prevention, (2) lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, tobacco), and (3) perceptions of primary care access/quality were abstracted to examine their association with self-reported screening participation and knowledge about breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. 2135/2315 participants (92%; 38.5% White, 38% Black, 9.9% Asian) completed screening questions. >70% of screen-eligible respondents reported guideline-concordant screening. Healthy dietary habits were associated with greater knowledge about breast and colorectal cancer screening; reporting negative attitudes about and barriers to healthcare were associated with less breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer screening. Having a place to seek medical care (a proxy for primary care access) was independently associated with being ∼5 times as likely to undergo colorectal screening (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.58–13.79, all p 2000 adults.•Healthy diets were associated with greater breast & colorectal screening knowledge.•Negative attitudes about & barriers to care were associated with less screening.•Having a place to seek medical care predicted greater odds of colorectal screening.