The association between neighborhood social capital and cancer screening.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between social capital and adherence to cancer screening exams.

METHODS

Data from a population-based survey assessed perceived neighborhood social capital as well as cancer screening behavior. We analyzed the influence of social capital on adherence to screening guidelines for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

Data from 2668 adults documented that those with greater perceived neighborhood social capital were more likely to be screened for cancer. The effect was strongest for colorectal cancer and weakest for cervical cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on understanding the effect of the neighborhood social environment on efforts related to cancer screening behavior may be helpful for increasing cancer screening rates.