title: Chinese peoples' perceptions of colorectal cancer screening: a New Zealand perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A national cancer screening programme requires a level of perceived acceptability of the procedure among the target population groups to be successful (that is, achieve a high uptake rate). In this study we explored Chinese immigrants' attitudes and perceptions towards colorectal cancer screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  A grounded theory methodology was used explore the determinants of colorectal cancer screening. In depth one-on-one interviews were conducted and subsequently analysed to develop an appreciation of the perspectives on colorectal cancer screening among Chinese people living in New Zealand.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicated a high degree of perceived acceptability for the concept of a national colorectal cancer screening programme. Chinese participants valued health care and preventive health measures were highly prioritised. However, colorectal cancer suffered from the 'poor cousin' syndrome whereby other more highly publicised cancers, such breast cancer, or skin cancer, were perceived to be more relevant and serious, thus marginalising the perceived priority of colorectal cancer screening. Overall, participants paid close attention to their bodies' balance and were proactive in seeking medical advice. Patient practitioner interaction was also found to be influential in the patient's decision to seek screening.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the study suggest that the introduction of a colorectal cancer screening programme in New Zealand would benefit from close attention to cultural determinants of screening uptake to provide an equitable service and outcome. Chinese patients who are eligible for participating in the colorectal cancer screening would benefit from access to appropriately detailed and culturally relevant information on the risks, benefit and procedures associated with colorectal cancer screening.
authors: Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore.
authors: Genevieve
authors: G
authors: Bong
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: McCool
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044466:Asian People; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D009780:Occult Blood; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies