Socio-economic disparities in behavioural risk factors for cancer and use of cancer screening services in Korean adults aged 30 years and older: the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 (KNHANES III).

Summary Objectives To estimate the current status of cancer-related health disparities in cancer risk factors and the use of cancer screening services by Korean adults. Study design Cross-sectional survey study. Methods The disparities of behavioural cancer risk factors and use of cancer screening services according to equivalent monthly household income were evaluated, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, among 6466 subjects aged ≥30 years and who completed the health promotion knowledge, attitude and practice survey, which is part of the Third Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results In men, smoking ( P for trend = 0.05) and physical inactivity ( P for trend = 0.05) were more common in the lower-income group, while high-risk drinking ( P for trend P  for trend P for trend P for trend P for trend = 0.04) cancer, while income disparities were not seen for participation in colorectal or breast cancer screening. Conclusions In order to decrease behavioural risk factors and promote participation in cancer screening programmes, more targeted efforts are needed for cancer prevention among lower-income Koreans.