The Association Between Religiosity, Spirituality and Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Longitudinal Analysis of Alberta's Tomorrow Project in Canada

J Relig Health. 2024 Oct;63(5):3662-3677. doi: 10.1007/s10943-024-02048-x. Epub 2024 Apr 20.

Abstract

We explored longitudinal associations between religion/spirituality (R/S) Salience and R/S Attendance, and colorectal cancer screening, among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Alberta, Canada. R/S Salience was not statistically significantly associated with colorectal cancer screening (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.28). Conversely, R/S Attendance was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of colorectal cancer screening: the aOR was 1.28 (95% CI 1.02-1.59) for participants attending services at least once a month and 1.31 (95% CI 1.01-1.69) for participants attending between one and four times yearly, compared to participants who never attended. Researchers should explore the possibility of delivering colorectal cancer screening programs in R/S settings.

Keywords: Alberta’s Tomorrow Project; Colorectal cancer; Longitudinal; Religion; Screening.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alberta
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / psychology
  • Early Detection of Cancer* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / psychology
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Spirituality*