Press Releases
ATLANTA, October 28, 2023 — A new study by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows state Medicaid expansion status was associated with higher screening for colorectal and breast cancers and lower socioeconomic insecurity (food and financial) within federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States from 2020 and 2021. The findings will be presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium in Boston, October 27 – 28, 2023.
In the study, led by Jessica Star, associate scientist, cancer risk factors & screening surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, researchers obtained data on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening, and socioeconomic insecurity (food insecurity, financial strain, and lack of transportation to care) from the 2020 and 2021 Uniform Data System (UDS), a national report of care delivered by FQHCs.
Between 2020-2021, approximately 2700 clinics reported on cancer screening and 1300 clinics reported on socioeconomic insecurity. In 2020 and 2021, FQHCs in Medicaid expansion states had a higher patient screening prevalence for colorectal and breast cancer compared to FQHCs in non-Medicaid expansion states. Additionally, patient food and financial insecurity prevalence was lower in clinics in Medicaid expansion compared to non-expansion states.
Researchers emphasized Medicaid expansion in the U.S. remains an important policy intervention for vulnerable populations to receive care and mitigate disparities.
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