UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: This project is an extension to the Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Screening project, a three-year collaborative effort among Michigan's managed care plans, and is designed to assist in planning future interventions aimed at improving screening. The project goal was to identify what factors motivated eligible health plan members who obtained a colorectal cancer screening, and the barriers perceived by eligible members who were not screened.

Methods: A survey was developed and included questions to learn if respondents received information on colorectal cancer, identify factors that influenced their screening decision, and ascertain respondents' perceptions of the screening process. The target audience included health plan members who had and had not been screened for colorectal cancer and was administered to commercial and Medicaid members.

Results: Preliminary results indicate that 62% of respondents recall having received information about colorectal cancer with the leading source being their health professional. Postcards or reminder letters about screening from a health plan were mentioned by 29%. 85% say they have had at least one of four types of colorectal cancer screening. Those covered by a commercial health plan were significantly more likely to have had a screening than were those covered by Medicaid. Among those who have been screened, the choice of screening method was influenced predominantly by two factors: a provider's recommendation or insurance coverage for the screening test. 44% of respondents cited the reason for not getting screening is that their provider didn't mention that it should be done.