Dataset Information

Qualitative Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Nebraska.

ABSTRACT: Compared to urban residents, rural populations are less likely to engage in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. As part of a statewide cancer needs assessment, we aimed to elicit rural perspectives about CRC screening and resources. We conducted three focus groups with rural Nebraska cancer survivors and caregivers (N = 20) in Spring 2021 using a collective case study design. Participant awareness of and knowledge about CRC screening methods varied across focus groups; overall, 95% of participants had heard of colonoscopy. Participants were less familiar with fecal tests and had confusion about them. Colonoscopy was associated with negative perceptions regarding the time, cost, and discomfort of the preparation and procedure, but some providers did not discuss alternative methods unless the patient resisted colonoscopy. Healthcare providers played a key role educating rural communities about CRC screening recommendations (age, risk) and testing options and being persistent in those recommendations. CRC awareness campaigns should include a variety of communication channels (TV, radio, billboards, health fairs, churches, healthcare settings). Promotion of CRC screening should include education about screening age guidelines, alternative test types, and informed decision-making between provider and patient regarding preferred screening methods based on the pros and cons of each test type. Individuals with a family history of colon issues (Crohn's disease, CRC) are considered high risk and need to be aware that screening should be discussed at earlier ages.

SUBMITTER: Ratnapradipa KL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9015281 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Qualitative Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Nebraska.

Ratnapradipa Kendra L KL Napit Krishtee K Ranta Jordan J Luma Lady Beverly LB Dinkel Danae D Robinson Tamara T Schabloske Laura L Watanabe-Galloway Shinobu S

Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education 20220418 2

Compared to urban residents, rural populations are less likely to engage in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. As part of a statewide cancer needs assessment, we aimed to elicit rural perspectives about CRC screening and resources. We conducted three focus groups with rural Nebraska cancer survivors and caregivers (N = 20) in Spring 2021 using a collective case study design. Participant awareness of and knowledge about CRC screening methods varied across focus groups; overall, 95% of participant ...[more]

PMID: 35437633

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Project description:Simple Summary People living in rural areas are less likely to survive cancer than those living in urban areas. There is evidence suggesting that poorer survival amongst rural cancer patients may be because these patients take longer to be diagnosed, particularly in the time between their symptoms beginning and them going to hospital to see a specialist. This study explored the experiences of people with symptoms of bowel cancer, in rural Northern England, to examine whether there were any common causes of ‘delay’ for these patients. Participants reported that their health beliefs and self-reliance, concerns about losing time at work, and having a poor relationship with their GP, could all influence whether they consulted the GP early about their symptoms. Having identified these unique barriers for rural patients, in relation to seeing the GP about bowel symptoms, we can develop ways to support earlier consultations with GPs, to improve the outcomes of rural patients who develop cancer. Abstract Rural cancer inequalities are evident internationally, with rural cancer patients 5% less likely to survive than their urban counterparts. There is evidence to suggest that diagnostic delays prior to entry into secondary care may be contributing to these poorer rural cancer outcomes. This study explores the symptom appraisal and help-seeking decision-making of people experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer in rural areas of England. Patients were randomly invited from 4 rural practices, serving diverse communities. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 40 people who had experienced symptoms of colorectal cancer in the preceding 8 weeks. Four key themes were identified as influential in participants’ willingness and timeliness of consultation: a desire to rule out cancer (facilitator of help-seeking); stoicism and self-reliance (barrier to help-seeking); time scarcity (barrier to help-seeking); and GP/patient relationship (barrier or facilitator, depending on perceived strength of the relationship). Self-employed, and “native” rural residents most commonly reported experiencing time scarcity and poor GP/patient relationships as a barrier to (re-)consultation. Targeted, active safety-netting approaches, and increased continuity of care, may be particularly beneficial to expedite timely diagnoses and minimise cancer inequalities for rural populations.

Dataset Information

Qualitative Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Nebraska.

Publications

Qualitative Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Nebraska.

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