Cancer screening utilization: is there a role for social work in cancer prevention?

Colorectal cancer is a life threatening, yet treatable, disease. Although early detection can improve health outcomes and preserve quality of life, many people are not screened. A post-test experimental design was used to test an intervention to increase screening behavior among eighty-one family practice patients, aged 50-70. Subjects were given a brief talk and a packet of educational materials. The physician recommended that each person complete a screening test at home. The experimental group was given a free screening test. The utilization rate in the experimental group was 51% compared to 0% in the control group. Findings suggest free kits encourage more use; yet further exploration is needed to explain non-use, even when free kits are provided. Recommendations for future social work practice and research are discussed.