Racial and ethnic differences in interest in cancer screening

Background: Although research has shown lower cancer screening uptake among racial and ethnic minority groups, few studies have examined whether these groups are interested in screening. Understanding interest helps clarify whether disparities stem from differences in personal preference or from structural barriers. This study examines racial and ethnic differences in interest in obtaining a cancer screening test. Methods: This cross-sectional study used national data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey. The sample included adults aged 18 and older ( n = 3,774). The outcome was a four-level measure of interest in having a cancer screening test within the next year. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine associations between race/ethnicity and screening interest, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors, including family history of cancer. Results: Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Black (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.20-2.46) and Hispanic adults (AOR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.49-2.73) reported significantly higher interest in getting screened for cancer within the next year. Females reported higher interest than males (AOR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.44-2.14). Adults aged 40-44 (AOR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.11-2.57) and 45 and older (AOR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.27-2.22) had higher odds of interest compared with those aged 18-34. Individuals without a family history of cancer had lower odds of reporting greater interest in screening (AOR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.87). Conclusions: Despite lower cancer screening uptake among racial and ethnic minority groups, Black and Hispanic adults reported higher interest in cancer screening. This suggests that individual interest is not the limiting factor; instead, structural and access barriers likely drive lower screening completion. Future research should identify the specific points in the screening process where racial and ethnic disparities occur, since higher interest among minority groups does not translate into completed screening.