UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the decision to undergo colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among low-income Hispanics living along the Texas–Mexico border. Although, colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among Latinos, most are not getting the recommended colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) tests, and little is known about what factors influence informed decision making for CRCS among Latinos.

Methods:Twelve focus groups with low-income Latino men and women were conducted in January 2004 in Brownsville, El Paso, and Laredo, Texas. Demographic, psychosocial, and cultural factors potentially related to CRCS were addressed, as well as access to health care services, perceptions about the importance of preventive health care, and factors surrounding health care decision making.

Results:Most participants in this study knew very little about colorectal cancer and even less about CRCS. Many of them were confused about the differences between colorectal cancer and stomach or prostate cancers. There were many misconceptions about the major causes of colorectal cancer. Individual-level barriers to CRCS mentioned by participants included embarrassment, machismo, lack of knowledge and information, procrastination, fear of questioning physicians, fear of the actual screening procedures, and fear of receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Other barriers to CRCS identified by participants included lack of health insurance or financial resources, being undocumented, and transportation barriers. Results from these focus groups have provided preliminary information Latino health issues and will guide the development of ian ntervention to increase CRCS in this priority population.