The factors relates to the screening tests of colorectal cancer in men

Kim, Yong Chul; Shin, Ho Cheol

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Korea. Colorectal cancers rank fourth in terms of total cancer mortality. Colorectal cancers have been the focus of screening for early detection. Few current data are available regarding factors associated with participation in cancer screening examinatians in the general population. This study investigated associatians of age, income, educatian, marital status, smoking, drinking, sleeping, presence of a hemorrhoid, and attitudes toward cancer prevention with participation in three cancer screening tests for colorectal cancer.
METHODS
To identify the factors associated with participation in cancer screening examinations, 2372 men in a certain campany were surveyed in 1992. Cancer related questians were included to determine the attitudes toward cancer prevention and the history of tests performed that are used for screening for colorectal cancer.
RESULTS
Statistically significant (P<0.05) strang predictors of ever having had a specific cancer screening test were as follows : (1) digital rectal examination:abave 40 years old(OR=3.4, 95% CI 2.1-5.4), having a hemorrhoid (OR=2.9, 95% CI 1.7-5.0), and regular exercise (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.5) ; (2) fecal occult blood:above 40 years old (OR=4.2, 95% CI 2.5-7.2) and (3) colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy : above 40 years old (OR=3.5, 95% Cl 2.4-5.2), married (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.6-7.7), and heavy drinker (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7).
CONCLUSIONS
The largest differences among the population for participation in cancer screening examinations involved age. Education and encouragement may persuade men to participate more in screening.