Description

For sample adults aged 18 and older who have ever been told by a doctor/other health professional that they had a weakened immune system and have at least one kind of cancer, IMSPCAN reports whether the respondent was EVER told by a doctor or other health professional that his/her immune system is weakened because of the kind of cancer he/she has.

If necessary, the interviewer will explain to the sample persons that they should only respond yes if a doctor or health care professional told them the cancer weakens the immune system, even if they are not now having treatments or taking prescription medicines that weaken the immune system.

This variable is part of the Adult Immunosuppression (AIS) section which consists of seven questions sponsored by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD, CDC). The purpose of the questions is to estimate the number and percentage of adults with weakened immune systems--both lifetime (IMSUPEV) and current (IMSPSL)--and to ask about possible reasons for their immune compromised state (i.e., from medications (IMSPMED), chronic illnesses or serious health conditions (IMSPCHC, IMSPSHC), cancer (IMSPCAN), or repeated infections or colds (IMSPCLD). For related variables and more information about this supplement, please use the IPUMS NHIS search function and drop-down menus.

Comparability

There are no comparability issues.

Universe

Availability

• 2013

Weights

• 2013 : SAMPWEIGHT