Adherence, risk perception, and attitudes towards colorectal cancer screening: A road to individualized screening?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks second globally in cancer-related deaths and there is ongoing debate on the best populational screening strategy. This study aimed to evaluate individuals' intention to adhere to CRC screening, screening method preference, and barriers to screening.

Cross-sectional study conducted in northern Portugal, where a populational fecal occult blood test (FOBT) program is implemented. The validated PERCEPT-PREVENT tool was administered across 3 groups: a) not yet invited to screening b) accepted FOBT screening, and c) primary colonoscopy screening.

A total of 397 participants completed the PERCEPT-PREVENT questionnaire and were compared by screening status. Intention to adhere was reported at a high rate (95 %;n = 354) and was positively influenced by knowledge of the screening rationale (OR8.96, 95 %CI 3.61-22.25). Most were unaware of symptoms (64 %;n = 253), risk factors (68 %;n = 271), and associated screening procedure risks (58 %;n = 230). Lower barrier scores for FOBT (7 ± 3) compared to colonoscopy (10 ± 3) were observed for screening naïve respondents (p < 0.001). Previous FOBT screening led to a lower preference for colonoscopy (previous FOBT screening 56 % vs not yet invited to screening 75 % vs previous primary colonoscopy 90 %; p < 0.001).

A greater understanding of the screening rationale enhances adherence. FOBT was highly accepted among never-screened participants. Colonoscopy should be offered to FOBT decliners, as personalized screening approaches could improve participation rates.