Awareness of colonoscopy as a screening method for colorectal cancer and its uptake in Spain

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe awareness levels of colonoscopy as a screening procedure for colorectal cancer (CRC), to study its uptake and analyze possible associated factors in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study using data from the Oncobarómetro survey, carried out by face-to-face interviews with a representative national sample of the Spanish population aged 18 years and older. Awareness was assessed using the following questions: 'Do you know of any examination procedures or medical technique used to detect cancer?' and 'I'm going to list some screening procedures (including colonoscopy) to see if you know of them as a cancer screening test or whether this is the first time you have heard of them'. To evaluate colonoscopy uptake, participants were asked whether they had undergone a colonoscopy in the past 2 years. The independent variables included sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. 65.7% of the study population was aware of colonoscopy as a screening tool. Individuals from lower socioeconomic groups or those who only had primary education showed a lower level of awareness. 12.8% of participants had undergone a colonoscopy in the past 2 years. This number increased to 45% in the Spanish Autonomous Communities, where screening programs are in place. Colonoscopy screening rates are 10.28 times higher among those who had fecal occult blood testing during the previous 2 years. There is an inverse relationship between social inequality and both awareness and uptake of colonoscopy. Consequently, for screening to be more effective, interventions that reduce barriers to access for target populations should be implemented.