Journal article
Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening: Physician and General Population Perspectives, New Mexico, 2006
Preventing chronic disease, Vol.8(2), pp.A35-A35
Peer Reviewed
03/2011
PMCID: PMC3073428
PMID: 21324249
Abstract
Introduction
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in New Mexico. We used statewide surveys of primary care physicians and the general population to characterize CRC screening practices and compare perceptions about screening barriers.
Methods
In 2006, we surveyed 714 primary care physicians in New Mexico about their CRC screening practices, beliefs, and perceptions of patient, provider, and system barriers. A 2004 state-specific CRC screening module for the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey asked 3,355 participants aged 50 years or older why they had not ever or had not recently completed a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or lower endoscopy.
Results
The 216 physicians (30% response rate) reported offering screening to a median 80% of their average-risk patients in the past year and estimated that a median 50% were current with screening. They attributed low screening proportions mainly to patient factors (embarrassment, fear of pain, lack of insurance). However, just 51% of physician respondents used health maintenance flow sheets, and only 13% used electronic medical records to identify patients due for CRC screening. The BRFSS respondents most often reported that lack of physician discussion was responsible for not being current with screening (45% FOBT, 34% endoscopy); being asymptomatic was also often cited as an explanation for lack of screening (22% FOBT, 36% endoscopy).
Conclusion
Physicians and adults in the general population had markedly different perspectives on barriers to CRC screening. Increasing screening may require system supports to help physicians readily identify patients due for CRC testing and interventions to educate patients about the rationale for screening.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening: Physician and General Population Perspectives, New Mexico, 2006
- Creators
- Richard M Hoffman - New Mexico VA Health Care System. Dr Hoffman is also affiliated with the Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoRobert L Rhyne - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoDeborah L Helitzer - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoS. Noell Stone - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoAndrew L Sussman - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoRobyn Viera - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoTeddy D Warner - University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New MexicoElizabeth E Bruggeman - New Mexico Department of Health, Cancer Prevention and Control Section, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Preventing chronic disease, Vol.8(2), pp.A35-A35
- Publisher
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Series
- Peer Reviewed
- PMID
- 21324249
- PMCID
- PMC3073428
- ISSN
- 1545-1151
- eISSN
- 1545-1151
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/2011
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; General Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984094586402771
Metrics
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