Results:
Uptake to bowel cancer screening in Wales and in the UK is sub-optimal. Previous studies suggest that participant, organisation and test related factors (e.g. stool disgust) seem to influence screening uptake. Alternative technologies such as blood-based test, colon capsule endoscopy, CT colonography and robotic colonoscopy, require investigation of their acceptability and likelihood of increasing screening uptake.
The current literature did not demonstrate any clear difference in acceptability between with current testing (standard colonoscopy and stool-based CRC screening) with alternative CRC screening tests. The survey results found that females, those without prior colonoscopy, participants who completed a stool-based test, married participants and those without a family history of CRC were significantly more likely to report barriers to alternative CRC screening tests. The interview findings highlighted that participants were balancing between convenience and their preference for the most accurate alternative CRC screening test.
Impact (on cancer patients and their families):
PPI was included in both quantitative and qualitative stages of my research. My research will contribute to further understanding to acceptability of alternative CRC tests, which are less invasive than conventional colonoscopy.
Next Steps:
- Complete publication on questionnaire survey on perceived barriers of alternative CRC screening tests. I am currently drafting this as a manuscript.
- Complete publication on interview results with participants on barriers of alternative CRC screening tests. I am currently drafting this as a manuscript.
- Complete publication on interview results with participants on CRC risk-stratified screening
Upon completion, Omar told us:
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to Tenovus Cancer Care for providing me with scholarship funding. Without their support, this invaluable research would not have been feasible. I appreciate the support, different learning opportunities, networking possibilities and experiences for professional growth."