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Home > jLPHA > Vol. 3 (2022-2023) > No. 1 (2022)

 

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association

Abstract

Background: Louisiana is the only southern state that opted to receive federal funding to expand Medicaid eligibility to include adults with low incomes. This study explored the effect of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on cancer screening in Louisiana and examined any differences in screening uptake by race and sex after expansion. Methods: Data from the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for Louisiana were used. The percentage of participants (N=10,076) each year who reported receiving a screening test was plotted on a graph to examine the trend over time. Results: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake increased from 55% in 2014 to 64% in 2020 and breast cancer screening increased from 70.7% in 2014 to 73.4% in 2020. Increased uptake of CRC and breast cancer screening were observed in all racial groups, but the greatest increase was observed in Black populations. Black men had the greatest CRC screening uptake increase with 49% in 2014 and 63% in 2020. Among Black women, the CRC screening uptake was 61% in 2014 and 70% in 2020. Discussion and conclusion: Findings showed increased screening uptake for colorectal and breast cancer, yet not for cervical cancer, although between group differences by race/ethnicity and sex were observed. These results help in understanding the impact of ACA on cancer screening in Louisiana. Results will guide the development of public health interventions to address cancer-related health inequities and present evidence to other southern states on the advantages of Medicaid expansion in cancer prevention and control.

DOI

10.59020/53032

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