Koreans’ Awareness and Preventive Behaviors Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background: Koreans in the Republic of Korea had high incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer (CRC), late stage of CRC diagnosis, and low CRC screening. The purpose of this study was to gain a more thorough understanding of CRC awareness, preventive behaviors, and preferred strategies to improve CRC screening behaviors among Koreans. Methods: Individual interviews with 33 Koreans aged 50 and older were conducted using semi-structured, open-ended questions. All interview data were recorded and analyzed using direct content analysis. Results: To prevent CRC, all participants focused on primary prevention including healthy lifestyle more than secondary prevention such as screening. Motivators of CRC screening were (a) symptoms, (b) being scared by acquaintances with CRC, (c) being healthy for the family, (d) others’ recommendations, and (f) annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in the National Cancer Screening Program. Barriers to CRC screening were (a) no symptom, (b) discomfort on test procedure, (c) lack of knowledge, (d) low perceived risk of developing CRC, (e) mistrust in CRC screening tests or health care providers, (f) fear of CRC diagnosis, (g) embarrassment, and (h) colonoscopy was a follow-up test in the National Cancer Screening Program. Participants suggested preferred strategies using various information delivery methods. Conclusions: This study suggests that we should provide accurate knowledge, emphasize importance of secondary prevention, enhance motivators and decrease barriers, and use multilevel approach incorporating preferred strategies to improve CRC screening behaviors among Koreans.