biostudies-literatureRamanathan KMedical Research CouncilJeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysiae0279489https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9799312biostudies-literatureUnknown17(12)<h4>Background</h4>Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Malaysia is increasing, and most CRC patients are diagnosed at a late stage. This study investigated participant awareness of CRC and their perceptions and views about CRC screening, barriers, benefits, and facilitators towards CRC screening participation as well as health-seeking behaviour and the use of preventative health services.<h4>Method</h4>Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a purposive sample of 89 participants aged > 50 from the major ethnic groups in the Segamat District, Johor State. FGDs were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.<h4>Results</h4>We identified trust in doctors as a key reason for whether or not to seek health care. GPloS oneFacilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening using the immunochemical faecal occult blood test among an average-risk population in semi-rural Malaysia: A qualitative study.PMC9799312MR/S014349/1Graduate Research Merit ScholarshipSchliemann DMohan DDonnelly MSu TTRamanathan KBinti Ibrahim Tamin NSfalseFacilitators and barriers to colorectal cancer screening using the immunochemical faecal occult blood test among an average-risk population in semi-rural Malaysia: A qualitative study.<h4>Background</h4>Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence in Malaysia is increasing, and most CRC patients are diagnosed at a late stage. This study investigated participant awareness of CRC and their perceptions and views about CRC screening, barriers, benefits, and facilitators towards CRC screening participation as well as health-seeking behaviour and the use of preventative health services.<h4>Method</h4>Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with a purposive sample of 89 participants aged > 50 from the major ethnic groups in the Segamat District, Johor State. FGDs were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.<h4>Results</h4>We identified trust in doctors as a key reason for whether or not to seek health care. G2022-01-01T00:00:00Z20222025-04-19T14:54:51.914Z2025-04-19T14:54:51.914ZS-EPMC97993123658045810.1371/journal.pone.0279489