title: "Do we really need all that equipment?": factors influencing colorectal cancer screening decisions.
abstract: The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 2.5 to 5% in the general population. Colorectal screening can prevent mortality, and there are a number of screening methods, ranging from noninvasive to highly invasive. Although recommendations have been widely disseminated in the media and scientific journals, screening usage is low. In this project, the authors examine the factors that influence individuals' decisions regarding colorectal screening. They conducted semistructured interviews with 30 people (13 men and 17 women) selected to provide a maximum variation sample. They categorized factors into the following themes: concern for one's personal well-being, competing demands, preparing for the procedure, the screening process, gender concerns, fear of having cancer, feeling healthy, cost, the experiences of others, and turning 50 years old.
authors.affiliation: Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.
authors.forename: Sarah B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Wackerbarth
authors.forename: Jane C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Haist
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007629:Kentucky; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*