Public perceptions and preferences for CT colonography or colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screening.
OBJECTIVE
To examine public perceptions of and preferences for colonoscopy vs. CT colonography (CTC) as technologies for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.


METHODS
Six discussion groups were carried out with 30 adults aged 49-60 years (60% female). Information about different aspects of the tests (e.g. sensitivity, practical issues) was presented sequentially using a semi-structured, step-by-step topic guide. Discussions were recorded and analyzed using framework analysis.


RESULTS
CTC was favored on the parameters of invasiveness, extra-colonic evaluation and interference with daily life, whereas sensitivity, avoiding false-positives and the capacity to remove polyps immediately were perceived to be important advantages of colonoscopy. Ultimately, there was no strong preference for either test: with 46% preferring colonoscopy vs. 42% for CTC.


CONCLUSIONS
With comprehensive information, colonoscopy and CTC were seen as having different advantages and disadvantages, yielding no clear preferences between the two. The sensitivity of colonoscopy was a decisive factor for some people, but the lower invasiveness of CTC was seen as an asset in the screening context.


CONCLUSIONS
CTC may be an acceptable alternative to colonoscopy in CRC screening. Healthcare professionals working in the screening context should be sensitive to the range of characteristics that can determine preferences for CRC screening tests.
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
Alex
A
Ghanouni
Samuel G
SG
Smith
Steve
S
Halligan
Andrew
A
Plumb
Darren
D
Boone
Molly Sweeney
MS
Magee
Jane
J
Wardle
Christian
C
von Wagner
D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000379:methods*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003256:Community Participation; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference; D010465:Perception; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires