Sociodemographic correlates of colorectal cancer screening completion among women adherent to mammography screening guidelines by place of birth

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer screening rates in the U.S. still fall short of national goals, while screening rates for other cancer sites, such as breast, remain high. Understanding characteristics associated with colorectal cancer screening among different groups of women adherent to breast cancer screening guidelines can shed light on the facilitators of colorectal cancer screening among those already engaged in cancer prevention behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore which demographic characteristics, healthcare access factors, and cancer-related beliefs were associated with colorectal cancer screening completion among U.S. and foreign-born women adherent to mammography screening recommendations. METHODS: Analyses of the 2015 National Health Interview Survey were conducted in 2019. A sample of 1206 women aged 50–74 who had a mammogram in the past 2 years and were of average risk for colorectal cancer was examined. Logistic regression was used to determine demographic, health service, and health belief characteristics associated with colorectal cancer screening completion. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the sample were adherent to colorectal cancer screening recommendations. Women over the age of 65 (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.06–2.91), with any type of health insurance, and who were bilingual (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.83–8.09) were more likely to complete screening, while foreign-born women (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34–0.83) were less likely. Cancer-related beliefs did not influence adherence. Stratified analyses by nativity revealed additional associations. CONCLUSIONS: Demographic and health service factors interact to influence colorectal cancer screening among women completing breast cancer screening. Colorectal cancer screening interventions targeting specific underserved groups and financing reforms may enhance women’s colorectal cancer screening rates. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01694-1.