Factors associated with participation in colorectal screening in Australia: Results from the 45 and Up Study cohort

This study investigated factors associated with the uptake of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBSCP) and of any  colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using questionnaire data from Australians enrolled in the 45 and Up Study. Individuals who were current smokers, did not attend screening for other cancers and had lower levels of education were less likely to have participated in the NBSCP. Language barriers were also a key factor in screening disparities, as those who did not speak English at home were less likely to ever participate in the NBSCP. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer were more likely to engage in out-of-program screening, as they are more likely to undergo any CRC screening but less likely to screen through the NBSCP. Strategies to incorporate CRC screening into health promotion targeting disadvantaged groups may improve screening uptake in these at-risk populations. Read more