Psychological and behavioral factors associated with colorectal cancer screening among Ashkenazim

Background. Psychological and behavioral factors related to annual colorect al cancer (CRC) screening were examined in a sample of Ashkenazi Jewish ind ividuals. Identification of factors related to regular CRC screening in thi s population is important because of the possibility of a heightened incide nce of CRC. Methods. Eligible participants were 171 Ashkenazi Jewish adults 40 years or older attending an educational program about breast cancer genetics. Compl iance with recommended guidelines for digital rectal examination and fecal occult blood test in the past year were dependent measures. Demographic var iables, family history of CBC, perceived risk, physician recommendation, an d worry about cancer were independent measures. Results. Digital rectal examinations and fecal occult blood tests had been obtained in the past year by 46 and 31% of the participants, respectively. A logistic regression showed that physician recommendation was related sign ificantly to obtaining digital rectal examinations, Physician recommendatio n and education were related significantly to obtaining fecal occult blood tests. Although participants with family histories of CRC perceived themsel ves as being at increased risk of developing CRC, and were more worried abo ut developing colon cancer, they were no more likely to adhere to CRC scree ning guidelines than those without such histories. Conclusions. Overall, compliance with recommended CRC screening was low eve n among high-risk individuals. Physicians play a key role in motivating peo ple to comply with CRC screening. Physicians need to encourage all asymptom atic patients 50 years and older to be screened for CRC. (C) 1999 American Health Foundation and Academic Press.