Reasons people avoid colorectal cancer information: a mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can detect or prevent the disease.
• Approximately 20% of individuals avoid CRC information, correlating with lower screening rates.
• Understanding avoidance reasons is vital for developing effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively identify the reasons behind colorectal cancer information avoidance.
• To inform the development of targeted strategies to reduce CRC information avoidance.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving surveys and interviews.
• 200 participants completed surveys, and 15 individuals who avoided CRC information were interviewed.
• Participants ranged in age from 40 to 75 years.

Main Results:

• Primary avoidance reasons include emotional shielding (anxiety), perceived information sufficiency, and information overload.
• Trait anxiety, fear of diagnosis, negative healthcare interactions, and screening associations intensified avoidance.
• Participants often attributed CRC risk to others, citing factors like family history, symptoms, gender, or lifestyle.

Conclusions:

• Trait anxiety and financial constraints significantly trigger information avoidance.
• Information overload and misconceptions about risk factors can amplify perceived information sufficiency and avoidance.
• Addressing emotional and cognitive barriers is crucial for promoting CRC information seeking and screening.