HOUSTON — Barriers to early detection of colorectal cancer among underserved patients include limited access to care and fatalistic beliefs about a cancer diagnosis, Aimee James, Ph.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Society of Preventive Oncology.
“Fatalist views and myths were prevalent” in a focus-group study of 18 underserved patients. Such misconceptions included “the risk of 'going under the knife,' and dangers of exposing cancer to air,” said Dr. James, of the department of preventive medicine and public health, University of Kansas, Kansas City.
She and her associates interviewed patients at a federally funded community health center who volunteered to participate in focus group sessions. Most were unemployed, and 71% were uninsured. The study was funded by the American Cancer Society.
“Many said they knew nothing about colorectal cancer or expressed confusion about GI anatomy or what the tests might entail,” Dr. James said in an interview.
In regard to access to care, the main issues were not being able afford follow-up, not knowing where to go, or not having confidence in the care they would receive. Other barriers to early detection were negative attitudes about survival. “Some told us that surgery can cause cancer to spread, and they do believe that. The health care provider needs to address these belief systems,” Dr. James said.
Participants said that early detection improved outcomes, yet many doubted the effectiveness of treatment. As one patient put it, “When it's time for you to go, I don't care how many surgeries they do, how many pap smears you get, or how many times they scrape you clean, it's time to go.”
'Fatalist views and myths were prevalent' in a focus-group study of 18 underserved patients. DR. JAMES