Comprehensive Health Assessment: Decreasing Care Gaps in Older Adults

Less than 50% of adults aged 65 and older complete preventive care. Preventive care is important since older adults are at higher risk for cancer. Colon cancer occurs in more than 70% of people aged 65 and older and is the second most common cause of death in men and women respectively. Breast cancer is mostly diagnosed in women aged 55 and older and is the most common cancer among U.S. women. The study examined completion rates of breast and/or colon cancer screening in adults 66 to 75 years of age who complete two different types of office visits. The study included 20 participants (14 were in the nurse only visit group and 6 were in the CHA visit group). The average age was 70.75 years old. The age range was 66 to 75. (SD = 2.83). 18 were female, 2 were male; 6 were African Americans, 14 were Caucasians; 10 completed college; and 9 were married. The rates of breast cancer screening between the two groups were not statistically significant, χ2 (2) = 0.09, p = .958. The rates of colon cancer screening between the two groups were not statistically significant, χ2 (2) = 0.16, p = .923.