(Press-News.org) Original Research
Background and Goal: This study examines if gaining housing increased rates of colorectal and breast cancer screening in a cohort of veterans who experience homelessness.
Study Approach: Researchers reviewed ten years of Veterans Health Administration (VA) records (2011-2021). They identified all veterans who were homeless and overdue for colorectal or breast cancer screening at their first VA clinic visit in the most recent year (the “index” visit). Housing status was then tracked for 24 months after that visit. Researchers compared screening rates between veterans who gained housing and those who remained homeless, adjusting the analysis for different factors, including age, health conditions, and the VA facility where care was received.
Main Results: 117,619 veterans experiencing homelessness aged 50-75 years who were eligible but not up-to-date for colorectal screening, and 6,517 women experiencing homelessness aged 50-75 years who were eligible but not up-to-date for breast cancer screening were included in the analysis.
Nearly one-half the colorectal cohort (49.0%) and breast cohort (47.5%) gained housing in the subsequent 24 months.
Veterans who gained housing were more likely to undergo colorectal screening and more likely to undergo breast cancer screening than veterans who continued to experience homelessness. Both of these differences were highly significant.
Why It Matters: Gaining housing may facilitate screening by promoting access to communication, reducing competing priorities, and decreasing vulnerability to external forces such as encampment clearing or theft.
Is Gaining Housing Associated With Higher Rates of Cancer Screening Among US Veterans Experiencing Homelessness?
Hannah Decker, MD, MAS, et al
Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Study finds veterans experiencing homelessness who gain housing are more likely to get colorectal and breast cancer screenings
Is gaining housing associated with higher rates of cancer screening among US veterans experiencing homelessness?
2025-07-28
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[Press-News.org] Study finds veterans experiencing homelessness who gain housing are more likely to get colorectal and breast cancer screeningsIs gaining housing associated with higher rates of cancer screening among US veterans experiencing homelessness?