Exploratory study examining barriers to participation in colorectal cancer screening.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the Stage of Change distribution for bowel cancer screening in a regional Australian community and the factors associated with varying positions on the continuum of change.


METHODS
Survey of a convenience sample.


METHODS
Community sample.


METHODS
A total of 59 (31 male, mean age = 59) service club members from a South Australian regional community.


METHODS
Self-reported Stage of Change for bowel cancer screening behaviour.


RESULTS
Attributing greater embarrassment and discomfort to bowel cancer screening was associated with earlier positions on the Stages of Change. Perceiving that bowel cancer screening might have positive value for personal health was associated with more advanced positions on the continuum of change. Those who perceived breast and prostate screening procedures to be embarrassing or to cause discomfort were significantly less likely to be participating in bowel cancer screening. No significant relationships were found between bowel cancer screening Stage of Change and worry about vulnerability; personal, family or wider social network case reports of bowel cancer; and the population-level value attributed to the cancer screening procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Bowel cancer screening participation rates are currently lower than those associated with breast and prostate screening. Reducing perceptions of embarrassment and discomfort, increasing awareness of potential health benefits and maximising participation in other screening procedures might increase participation in bowel cancer screening.
Paddison
Johanna S
JS
School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. padd0013@flinders.edu.au
Yip
Marcus J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D012424:Rural Population; D013021:South Australia