Factors associated with participation in colorectal cancer screening in Australia: Results from the 45 and Up Study cohort

This study investigated factors associated with self-reported ever-uptake of the NBCSP and of any CRC screening using follow-up questionnaire data from 105,897 Australians aged ≥45years enrolled in the 45 and Up Study in New South Wales, Australia. Of the 91,968 study participants with information on CRC screening behaviour, 70,444 (76.6%) reported ever-uptake of any CRC screening. 63,777 study participants were eligible for a NBCSP invitation, of these 33,148 (52.0%) reported ever-uptake of screening through the NBCSP. Current smoking (RR=0.86, 0.83–0.90), non-participation in breast cancer screening (female) or PSA testing (male) (RR=0.84, 0.81–0.86), poor self-reported health (RR=0.89, 0.86–0.91), lower levels of education (RR=0.91, 0.90–0.93), and not speaking English at home (RR=0.88, 0.85–0.91) were associated with reduced ever-uptake of screening within the NBCSP and of any CRC screening. Individuals with a family history of CRC were less likely to screen through the NBCSP (RR=0.71, 0.69–0.73), but more likely to participate in any CRC screening (RR=1.18, 1.17–1.19). Smokers, disadvantaged groups and those with non-English speaking backgrounds are less likely to have ever-participated in organised screening through the NBCSP or in any form of CRC screening, supporting efforts to improve participation in these groups.
Source: Preventive Medicine - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research