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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
06:28
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Risk and reluctance: understanding impediments to colorectal cancer screening
E R Weitzman1, J Zapka, B Estabrook
1Department of Health & Social Behavior, Harvard School of Public Health, 1633 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02120, USA. eweitzma@hsph.harvard.edu
Preventive Medicine
|June 8, 2001
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underutilized due to low knowledge and common misperceptions. Addressing barriers and improving public awareness can increase CRC screening rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Communication
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain suboptimal, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the underutilization of CRC screening technologies and low adherence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge about CRC among adults.
- To investigate perceived risk, barriers, and facilitators for CRC screening.
- To examine experiences and intentions regarding fecal occult blood testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted.
- Data were analyzed from a nonrepresentative sample of 39 community-dwelling adults aged 50-64 and 65+.
Main Results:
- Participants demonstrated low knowledge and common misperceptions about CRC.
- Provider practices contributed to low perceived risk among individuals.
- Numerous remediable barriers to CRC screening were identified.
Conclusions:
- Public awareness campaigns and addressing service-related factors are crucial for improving CRC screening utilization.
- Further research and interventions are needed to overcome barriers and enhance screening adherence.
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