Barriers to Screening for Colorectal Cancer

The view from two sides: a qualitative study of community and medical perspectives on screening for colorectal cancer using FOBT

“…Doctors also stressed the importance of informed choice and of individual preference, maintaining a distinction between population-based screening and clinical practice [40]. In line with other studies [8], the gastroenterologists showed a preference for the use of colonoscopy over FOBT as the screening method of choice.…”

“…Perception of individual risk [14, 15, 16, 17 and 18] , lack of understanding of the reasons for screening without symptoms [15, 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22], fear of further tests or surgery and fear of the results have also been found to increase non-participation [16]. Clinician barriers have also been identified [8]. In the Australian context, these include: inconsistent guidelines and limited knowledge of guidelines [23]; scepticism about the benefits of screening [23 and 24] and the existence of a gender bias in relation to screening which favours men over women [23].…”

Overcoming Obstacles to Skin Cancer Examinations and Prevention Counseling for High-Risk Patients: Results of a National Survey of Primary Care Physicians

“…8 The frequency of skin cancer examination rates lag well behind screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. 5 Numerous barriers to cancer screening 9,10 have been cited, but little research has been done to understand the major obstacles against the skin cancer examination. Furthermore, no clear consensus exists among medical organizations regarding skin cancer screening and prevention recommendations.…”

Effectively Communicating Colorectal Cancer Screening Information to Primary Care Providers

“…[12][13][14]22 With this background, the moderatorfollowing a semi-structured interview guide -then presented participants with three scenarios: (1) 2008 updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines; 23,24 (2) two Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) requiring health benefits plans to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screenings and the establishment of a colon cancer screening program within the Department for Public Health to provide screening services to uninsured individuals age 50-64 and others at high risk; 25,26 and (3) the Kentucky Cancer Consortium's plans to launch a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign aimed at increasing screening among Kentuckians by prompting patients to talk to their healthcare providers about colorectal cancer screening (Table 1). After each scenario, discussion focused on the providers' reactions to three primary questions: (1) [Related to the described scenario], what are your preferred method(s) of receiving this information?…”

“…11 Repeatedly, it has been documented that the primary influence on patients' uptake of colorectal cancer screening is a healthcare provider recommendation. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] In light of this research, it is essential that providers have access to the most accurate, up-todate information on colorectal cancer in order to make appropriate screening recommendations, as well as engage in shared decision making with the patient regarding screening test options. This information should include: clinical screening guidelines for normal and at-risk populations; the benefits and limitations of established procedures as well as new technologies; knowledge of colorectal cancer public awareness campaigns; referral processes for free or low-cost screening programs; and news of any recent colorectal cancerrelated legislation.…”