How men differ from women in their attitudes towards bowel cancer screening and intention to be screened

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore men's attitudes to bowel cancer (BC) and bowel cancer screening (BCS), and to see to what extent these affect their intention to be screened for bowel cancer via a faecal occult blood test (FOBt).MethodsA sample of 334 adults (n = 254 women and n = 80 men), aged 60 years old and over, completed a short questionnaire addressing specific barriers to bowel cancer screening in relation to their intention to be screened. Participants were recruited, via convenience sampling, during publicity events held by the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP). Age and gender were the only demographic factors monitored.ResultsMen were found to have lower fear and higher fatalistic beliefs with regard to BC. Men lacked confidence in both the FOBt and their ability to carry out the test, and would feel awkward completing a FOBt. Men's intention to be screened for BC was governed by a lower perceived severity, lower fear and higher fatalistic beliefs.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that men's attitudes towards BC and BCS governed their intention to be screened. Therefore, there is the necessity to address the specific attitudes to BC and BCS held by men in future research to increase intention and subsequent BCS participation in this population.