This in-depth report describes cancer screening in California based on data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), the largest state-level health survey in the nation. The report examines screening rates for cervical, breast, colorectal and prostate cancers by race and ethnicity, income, insurance coverage, usual source of care, and English proficiency. It provides local-level estimates of screening rates for California counties and county groups. The report also makes several recommendations including the promotion of screening among immigrant communities, education about the importance of cancer screening in the absence of any symptoms or problems, and support for exemplary screening programs such as those administered by the California Department of Health Services' Cancer Detection Section.

This policy brief reports on cancer screening in California based on data from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS 2001), the largest state-level health survey in the nation. It examines screening rates for cervical, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer among whites, Latinos, Asians, African Americans, American Indian/Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders. The study also reports on disparities by race and ethnicity in lower-income and higher-income groups and among nonelderly Californians covered by Medi-Cal. The policy brief recommends steps that should be taken toward educating people of the appropriate age and gender. It also stresses the importance of overcoming barriers by providing culturally sensitive and language-appropriate materials and interventions. This policy brief is based on a report titled "Cancer Screening in California: Findings from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey." The full report will be available soon.