Peer coaches help with colonoscopy fear

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- Trained peer coaches can provide important information to combat myths and fears that keep people from having a colonoscopy, a U.S. study found.

In a randomized trial, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine studied patients at increased risk of missing their scheduled colon study appointment.

The study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that those who received telephone mentoring from a trained peer coach -- each of whom had previously had a colonoscopy -- were two times more likely to keep their first colonoscopy appointment than those who received an educational brochure about the procedure, or those who received no support.

"This study addresses an important gap in colorectal cancer prevention in the United States -- patients who don't follow through with their appointments," lead author Dr. Barbara J. Turner said in a statement. "This is one of the first studies to show that patients can help other patients overcome barriers to getting tests that can prevent this deadly disease."