Effective Screening for Bowel Cancer: A United Kingdom Perspective

Thompson, Michael R.; Steele, Robert; Atkin, Wendy

doi:10.1007/s10350-005-0282-7

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…FOBt is a self-administered test that examines faecal matter for blood, while FS screening involves an examination of the distal colon and rectum to detect and remove polyps at the pre-cancerous stage. 2 In a recent UK pilot study that assessed the feasibility of a nurse-led FS screening programme, 55% of individuals invited to have screening accepted. 3 This figure is similar to the second round of FOBt screening across England, where 51% of participants returned a kit.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Perceived barriers to flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer among UK ethnic minority groups: a qualitative study

et al. 2009

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Objectives Evidence from existing UK screening programmes indicates disparities in uptake rates between UK ethnic minorities and the white majority population. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to the uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening among UK ethnic minority populations. Specifically, beliefs about bowel cancer, perceived barriers to the test and ideas about ways to increase uptake were investigated. Methods Nine focus groups were conducted with a total of 53 participants from African-Caribbean, Gujarati Indian, Pakistani and white British communities. The topic guide was based on the Health Belief Model. Discussions were subject to framework analysis. Results Most participants expressed limited awareness of bowel cancer and cited this as a barrier to screening attendance. Anxiety regarding the invasiveness of the test, the bowel preparation and fear of a cancer diagnosis were common barriers across all ethnic groups. Language difficulties, failure to meet religious sensitivities and the expression of culturally influenced health beliefs were all discussed as specific barriers to uptake. Ethnically tailored health promotion and general practitioner involvement were recommended as ways of overcoming such barriers. Conclusions The study was the first attempt to qualitatively explore barriers to FS bowel cancer screening in UK ethnic minorities. Most barriers were shared by all ethnic groups but health educators should supplement approaches designed for the majority to incorporate the specific needs of individual minority groups to ensure equitable access.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%