Reasons for declining colorectal cancer screening by older Canadians: a pilot study.
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.
Hoffman-Goetz
Laurie
L
Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. lhgoetz@uwaterloo.ca
Thomson
Maria D
MD
Donelle
Lorie
L
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