Samuel G. Smith|Lesley McGregor|Rosalind Raine|Jane Wardle|Christian von Wagner|Kathryn A. Robb
Inequalities in cancer screening participation: examining differences in perceived benefits and barriers
Queen Mary University of London|University College London|University College London|University College London|University College London|University College London|University College London|University of Glasgow
abstract objective inequalities exist colorectal cancer crc screening uptake people lower socioeconomic status backgrounds less likely participate identifying facilitators barriers screening uptake important addressing screening disparities pooled data 2 trials examine educational differences psychological constructs related guaiac fecal occult blood testing methods patients n 8576 registered 7 general practices england within 15 years eligible age range screening 45595 years invited complete questionnaire measures included perceived barriers emotional practical benefits screening screening intentions participant characteristics including education results data pooling 2181 responses included people high school education formal education reported higher emotional practical barriers less likely definitely intend participate screening compared university graduates analyses controlling study arm participant characteristics belief one would worry crc screening concerns tempting fate strongly negatively associated education model including education participant characteristics respondents low emotional barriers low practical barriers high perceived benefits likely definitely intend take part screening conclusions analysis adults approaching crc screening age consistent effect education perceived barriers toward guaiac fecal occult blood testing could affect screening decision making interventions target specific barriers reduce educational disparities screening uptake avoid exacerbating inequalities crc mortality