Colorectal cancer screening preferences among African Americans: which screening test is preferred?

Abstract

African Americans are diagnosed at late stages and suffer disproportionately higher mortality rates from colorectal cancer (CRC). Increasing their participation in CRC screening can help reduce these disparities. In-depth personal interviews were conducted with 60 African Americans to understand if CRC test preferences exist and to identify what attributes of screening tests influence test preferences. Most individuals interviewed preferred colonoscopy as compared to FOBT. Previous participation in CRC screening influenced how individuals made decisions about CRC screening. Enabling individuals without CRC screening experience to first complete FOBT might prepare them to later participate in colonoscopy screening.