Colorectal cancer--applying a gender lens.
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health problem with survival varying according to stage at diagnosis. The incidence of CRC is much higher in patients with lower bowel symptoms. The symptoms are non-specific and are commonly experienced in the general population. Biological and environmental factors account for the high incidence and poor prognosis of CRC in men.


OBJECTIVE
To review the behavioural factors influencing patient delay in seeking help for lower bowel symptoms using a gender lens.


METHODS
An extensive literature search was performed using various databases including Medline, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE and PsycINFO (1993-2013). Various search terms including rectal bleeding, prevalence, colorectal cancer, consultation, help-seeking, gender differences and men were used. A systematic methodology including systematic data extraction and narrative synthesis was applied.


RESULTS
Thirty-two studies were included in the review. All studies except four were quantitative. Although there is some evidence that men delay more compared with women, there has not been any major improvement in the help-seeking behaviour for such symptoms over the past two decades. Several behavioural and demographic factors were associated with low rates of help-seeking.


CONCLUSIONS
There are limited studies focusing on men's help-seeking behaviour for lower bowel symptoms. To facilitate timely help-seeking in men, it is important to understand their patterns of helpseeking for such symptoms. Further research to understand men's help-seeking behaviour is warranted.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, 7 Parker Place, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia. deveshoberoi@gmail.com.
Devesh V
DV
Oberoi
Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Moyez
M
Jiwa
Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.
Alexandra
A
McManus
Department of General Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
Rupert
R
Hodder
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors