Fear biggest barrier to colon screening

ITHACA, N.Y., March 9 (UPI) -- Fear of finding a problem or a painful test is the greatest barrier to adults age 50 and older from getting a colorectal screening, U.S. researchers said.

Srijana Bajracharya of Ithaca College in New York said the results came from a survey of employees at two central New York higher education academic institutions.

"In the initial survey, we received responses from 341 people, 233 of whom were over 50, which is the age recommended for screenings," Bajracharya said in a statement.

"Surprisingly, the study showed that knowledge of colorectal cancer and the screenings was not a factor, and that those who had greater knowledge of the disease and the screenings did not demonstrate fewer barriers."

In addition to the fear factor, the survey also showed other major barriers are:

-- A physician never recommended screening.

-- The preparation was too difficult

-- The test was too embarrassing.

"Colorectal cancer is highly curable if detected early," Bajracharya said. "In working with colleagues from three additional institutions, we hope to gather findings that will help us to design work site, community-based education programs so we can change fears and perceptions."

Bajracharya has joined colleagues from other institutions of higher education to expand the survey to include three other colleges and universities in the Northeast.