Colorectal cancer knowledge is not associated with screening compliance or intention.
BACKGROUND
Increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a public health goal. We hypothesized that non-compliant, average risk women would demonstrate low levels of CRC knowledge and underestimate their CRC risk.


METHODS
Participants identified prior to routine gynecological visits completed a survey assessing demographics, CRC knowledge, risk perception, and screening intention.


RESULTS
The 318 participants demonstrated high levels of CRC knowledge. The majority estimated their risk incorrectly and had no intention of screening participation in the future. There were no consistent relationships between knowledge, risk perception, and screening intent.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge alone is an inadequate stimulus of screening adherence.
Weinberg
David S
DS
Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA. David.Weinberg@fccc.edu
Miller
Suzanne
S
Rodoletz
Michelle
M
Egleston
Brian
B
Fleisher
Linda
L
Buzaglo
Joanne
J
Keenan
Eileen
E
Marks
Jaime
J
Bieber
Eric
E
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors