title: Reasons for declining colorectal cancer screening by older Canadians: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada, only 4% to 14% of eligible adults follow screening recommendations. In this pilot study, we explored older Canadians' perception of the barriers and enabling factors associated with CRC screening participation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interviews from 100 participants, age 50 through 90 years, were analyzed using a mixed qualitative and quantitative methods approach. We used constant comparative analysis, Pearson chi2, and Fisher's exact probability tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Themes impacting screening participation included physician screening recommendations, reasons for declining screening, surprise at CRC information, and barriers to understanding cancer information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Education emphasizing the importance of early detection through screening is needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. lhgoetz@uwaterloo.ca
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hoffman-Goetz
authors.forename: Maria D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.forename: Lorie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Donelle
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002170:Canada; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects