Colorectal cancer: a survey of community beliefs and behaviours in Victoria

To document self-reported beliefs and behaviours in relation to colorectal cancer (CRC) and screening for CRC.

A stratified random sample was selected from the telephone directory, and structured telephone interviews were conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system.

500 men and 500 women aged 40-60 years, 70% randomly selected from the Melbourne metropolitan area and 30% from rural Victoria. The response rate to the initial telephone invitation of 1569 eligible people was 63.7%.

Awareness of and experience with CRC; knowledge of CRC risk, risk reduction behaviour, and screening tests for CRC; willingness to have screening tests for CRC; and test preferences.

The people surveyed were relatively unaware of their personal risk of CRC, despite 61% (95% CI, 57%-65%) knowing someone who had CRC. Although 51% (95% CI, 48%-54%) could not name any CRC screening test, 68% (95% CI, 65%-71%) knew of the value of a high fibre diet in prevention. However, 67% (95% CI, 64%-70%) thought it was unlikely they would have a screening test for CRC in the next two years, but 64% (95% CI, 61%-67%) considered that some person could influence their decision to have a test, 60% (95% CI, 56%-64%) stating that they would be influenced by a doctor. Faecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy were equally acceptable. In general, women were more knowledgeable than men. There were no systematic age or urban/rural differences.

There is a variable understanding of CRC in the community. Although prevention is well understood, this is not true of screening. General practitioners are likely to be influential in the uptake of any screening programs.