Ethnic differences in colorectal cancer screening.

The present study was designed to assess ethnic disparities in CRC screening rates in a low-income population and to examine factors that could account for those differences. Participants were randomly selected and asked to complete a questionnaire about CRC screening. After controlling for gender, age, education, income, health insurance, and family history of CRC, differences in screening rates as a function of ethnicity remained. Physicians' recommendations and perceived efficacy of screening were also strong predictors of CRC screening. Psychological factors accounted in part for differences in screening rates between European Americans and Mexican Americans.