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Self-testing for cancer: a community survey.
Sue Wilson1, Angela V Ryan, Sheila M Greenfield
1Department of Primary Care and General Practice, Primary Care Clinical Sciences Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. s.wilson@bham.ac.uk
BMC Cancer
|April 16, 2008
Summary
One in 100 adults have used cancer self-tests, with over a third considering future use. This study explored cancer self-test prevalence and influencing factors in the UK.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Cancer-related self-tests (e.g., faecal occult blood, PSA, haematuria) are accessible online and in pharmacies.
- While offering convenience, self-tests pose risks like treatment delays.
- The prevalence of cancer self-test usage in the UK remains unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cancer-related self-test use among adults in the UK.
- To identify factors associated with the use of cancer self-tests.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 5,545 adults in the West Midlands.
- Data collected included socio-demographics, previous use, and future intentions for 18 self-tests.
- Prevalence rates were standardized to the England population; deprivation was measured using the Index of Multiple Deprivation.
Main Results:
- A 54% response rate (2,925 usable questionnaires) was achieved.
- 1.2% of respondents reported using a cancer self-test kit; 36% would consider future use.
- Logistic regression indicated that older age, higher deprivation, and employment status were linked to self-test use.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 1% of the adult population has utilized cancer self-test kits, with over 33% open to future use.
- Cancer self-test adoption may influence risk perception, psychological well-being, and healthcare demand.
- Further research is needed to understand the full impact of self-testing on healthcare systems.
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