Clinical Study
British Journal of Cancer (2009) 101, 250–255. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605130 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 23 June 2009
Factors affecting attitudes toward colorectal cancer screening in the primary care population
T Taskila1, S Wilson1, S Damery1, A Roalfe1, V Redman1, T Ismail2 and R Hobbs1
- 1Primary Care Clinical Sciences, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- 2Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham Foundation NHS Trust, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Correspondence: Dr T Taskila, E-mail: T.K.Taskila@bham.ac.uk
Received 20 February 2009; Revised 8 May 2009; Accepted 20 May 2009; Published online 23 June 2009.
Abstract
Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of death in the United Kingdom. Regular screening could significantly reduce CRC-related morbidity and mortality. However, screening programmes in the United Kingdom have to date seen uptake rates of less than 60%. Attitudes towards screening are the primary factors determining patient uptake.
Methods:
A questionnaire was sent to people aged 50–69 years who were registered with general practices in the West Midlands. A total of 11 355 people (53%) completed the questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify those factors (gender, age, ethnicity, deprivation, number of symptoms, and their duration) that most strongly contributed to negative/positive attitudes in the primary care population.
Results:
Fourteen percent of respondents had a negative attitude towards screening. Men, older people, and those with Indian ethnic backgrounds were more likely to have negative attitudes toward screening, whereas people with Black-Caribbean ethnic background, people with multiple symptoms and those reporting abdominal pain, bleeding, and tiredness were more likely to have a positive attitude.
Conclusion:
Culturally relevant screening strategies should aim to increase knowledge of the symptoms and signs related to bowel cancer among South Asian ethnic groups in the United Kingdom. It is also important to find ways to increase the acceptability of screening among asymptomatic patients.
Keywords:
colorectal cancer, screening, attitude, ethnic minority, symptom
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
