Abstract 4899: Colorectal cancer screening among deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Puerto Rico
Authors: Francisco Muñoz-Torres, Roxana Soto-Abreu, Vivian Colon-López
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals are often lower than those of the hearing population. This disparity is driven by factors including communication barriers, limited access to healthcare services, and insufficient support systems. As a result, DHH individuals face unique challenges in accessing timely screening, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer cancer outcomes. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to examine colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals. The sample included 3,496 individuals aged 40 years and older, residing in Puerto Rico. Prevalence ratios (PR) for non-endoscopic colorectal cancer screening methods were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of transportation access, social and emotional support, and the ability to manage daily errands on CRC screening rates. Results: Compared to hearing individuals, DHH individuals had an 11% lower prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening (PR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.90). After adjusting the model for age, sex, education, income, access to personal healthcare providers, and health insurance status, the prevalence ratio (PR) decreased further to 0.84 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.84).In subgroup analyses, the PR remained stable for individuals with reliable transportation. However, it decreased by 13% for those facing transportation challenges (PR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.79). The PR dropped by 15% for individuals without social and emotional support (PR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.77) and by 11% for those struggling with daily errands on their own (PR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.80). Discussion: This study reveals a disparity in CRC screening rates between DHH individuals and the hearing population, driven by factors such as limited transportation, lack of social support, and difficulties managing errands. The lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, including PRSL, worsens these barriers. Training healthcare providers to improve communication with DHH individuals is essential for increasing screening. Conclusion: Addressing these barriers requires targeted research and interventions, focusing on accessible educational resources (including PRSL translations), improving healthcare provider training, and enhancing screening access. Future research should examine how social factors, such as socioeconomic status and geography, affect CRC screening access in DHH populations. These strategies are key to reducing disparities and improving health outcomes for DHH individuals in Puerto Rico and beyond. Citation Format: Francisco Muñoz-Torres, Roxana Soto-Abreu, Vivian Colon-López. Colorectal cancer screening among deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Puerto Rico [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4899.