Colorectal cancer screening: discussions with first degree relatives

Screening by faecal occult blood test and colonoscopy is recommended for fi rst degree relatives of people with colorectal cancer. While it is known th at screening participation among relatives is low, relatives' beliefs and a ttitudes towards screening have not been explored at an in-depth level. In this study, four focus group discussions with first degree relatives of peo ple with colorectal cancer were held. Discussions were audio-taped, transcr ibed verbatim and the data were independently coded and analysed by the aut hors. Three main themes were identified: risk, understanding, and screening . Perceived risk was determined by family history, age and gender. Of conce rn, there was limited understanding of the asymptomatic nature of screening with most relatives initially 'screened' after consulting a doctor with co lorectal symptoms. These findings need to be considered in screening progra ms.