HAS THE USE OF CERVICAL, BREAST, AND COLORECTAL-CANCER SCREENING INCREASED IN THE UNITED-STATES

This report describes trends in reported breast, cervical, and colorec tal cancer screening within the US population from 1987 to 1992. Data from the 1987 and 1992 Cancer Control Supplements of the National Heal th Interview Survey were analyzed to determine use of PaP smears by wo men aged 18+; of mammography and clinical breast examination by women aged 50+; and of proctoscopy, digital rectal examination, and fecal oc cult blood testing among men and women aged 50+. Use of mammography do ubled between 1987 and 1992 while Pap smear use changed very little. U se of the three colorectal cancer screening modalities increased but l evels-remained low. Usage trends were also assessed in relation to sev eral sociodemographic factors. Disparities in screening reported in 19 87 according to income and education persisted in 1992.