Barriers related to fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening in moderate risk individuals

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer is one of the most important and most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Through secondary prevention of this cancer, effective proactive measures would be taken to treat and to prevent the incidence of the disease. The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has priority over other methods and is recommended for adults above 50 years. This study was carried out to assess perceived barriers related to participating in colorectal cancer screening programs among average risk population, based on health belief model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 196 individuals of more than 50 years was conducted in Isfahan. The target group consisted of people going to laboratories for doing FOBT test (n = 98), and those who refrained from going to laboratories (n = 98). The questionnaire was used based on barrier assessment question associated with performing fecal occult blood test. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods. RESULTS: The mean score of perceived barriers in the first group was 40.9 and in other group was 56.54, with significant difference statistically (P < 0.001). Lack of information, fear of cancer diagnosis, lack of recommendation by doctors, and not setting the priority of time for doing the test were some of barriers reported by the nongoing group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to this study, it seems that there is an urgent need to more information to be provided for the public about colorectal cancer and its prevention through screening, as important step to increase the rate of early detection and curb the mortality rate, costs, and improve community health outcomes.