Abstract
ObjectivesMany studies of cancer worry use items measuring frequency or intensity. Little is known about how each of these relate to cancer screening uptake. This study compared the association between worry frequency vs. intensity and colorectal cancer screening intention/uptake.MethodsAcross four surveys (2014–2016), we collected data from 2878 screening-eligible men and women (aged 60–70) in England. Measures included single-items assessing cancer worry frequency and intensity, and a derived combination of both. We also assessed self-reported past faecal occult blood testing uptake (ever vs. never), intention to participate when next invited (yes vs. no), and demographics. Using logistic regression, we compared a model containing sociodemographic characteristics (Model 1), with four models adding cancer worry frequency (Model 2), intensity (Model 3), both (Model 4), or the combined measure (Model 5).ResultsA model with cancer worry intensity and demographics (Model 3) explained significantly more variance in uptake and intention (R2 = 0.068 and 0.062, respectively) than demographics alone (Model 1: R2 = 0.058 and 0.042; p < 0.001), or a model with demographics and cancer worry frequency (Model 2: R2 = 0.059 and 0.052; p < 0.001). The model was also equally as effective as models including both the frequency and intensity items (Model 4: R2 = 0.070 n.s. and 0.062 n.s.), or using the derived combination of both (Model 5: R2 = 0.063 n.s. and 0.053 n.s.).ConclusionA single item measure of cancer worry intensity appeared to be most parsimonious for explaining variance in colorectal cancer screening intention and uptake.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC), the fourth most common cancer worldwide, accounts for 8.5% of all cancer mortality.[1]
Since 2006, the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) in England has invited men and women aged 60–69 to undertake free, homebased biennial faecal occult blood test (FOBt) screening for colorectal cancer
Several other papers have been published from these datasets, including some that examine different objects of cancer worry in relation to cancer screening (ABACUS wave 3),[10,30] but this is the first time that we have combined all four datasets to obtain a large enough sample to examine the role of cancer worry frequency and intensity on colorectal cancer screening uptake
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC), the fourth most common cancer worldwide, accounts for 8.5% of all cancer mortality.[1]. One such psychological factor is cancer worry, a negative emotional reaction to the threat of cancer,[8] shown to be higher in women, those who are younger, and those from lower socioeconomic or ethnic minority backgrounds.[9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
