Gap in Magnitude and Scope Difference for Colorectal Cancer Prevention between Patients and Healthcare Professionals

Background: Little studies have been conducted nationally to investigate the gaps of psychosocial determinants and health-related information seeking between patients and healthcare professionals that may attribute to early detection of colorectal cancer.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the information seeking, social network, and prevention guidelines of patients and healthcare professionals concerning colorectal cancer screening. This insight is based on patients reported cancer screening participation and healthcare professionals reported diagnostic testing.

Method: Data was complied from the Health Information National Trend Survey and the Primary Care Professionals Prevention, Screening & Services Questionnaire, which were conducted by the NCI in 2003 and by the ACS in 2004, respectively. The Patient/Provider System Theoretical Model for Cancer Screening was used to guide this investigation. Colorectal cancer screening may be attributed to demographic, psychosocial, and structural variables, which are determined by comparing the responses on survey items using descriptive statistics. A regression analysis was performed to determine the factors that influenced screening behavior, barriers, information seeking, and prevention strategy.

Results: There was a significant difference between the information seeking of patients and healthcare professionals. Patients who frequently seek cancer information from cancer organizations were more likely to participate in CRC screening. General practitioners had a higher rate of awareness and used CRC screening guidelines more than primary care providers with other specialties.

Conclusion: Colorectal cancer control and prevention should pay attention to the magnitude and scope of information for target audiences.