Acceptance of Screening for Colorectal Cancer by Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

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Abstract
Objective —: To determine the acceptance rate of screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy in a sample of general practice patients aged 50 to 60, and the acceptability of the procedure among those undergoing the test. Setting —: Recruitment took place in selected general practices in Melbourne, Australia. Flexible sigmoidoscopies were performed at the local public hospital. Patients and methods —: 187 patients aged between SO and 60, and without bowel symptoms, were seen by one of 12 non-randomly selected general practitioners during the study period. At the conclusion of routine consultation general practitioners discussed colorectal screening with eligible patients and recommended that they attend a free screening clinic at the local hospital. The patients who attended the clinic underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy performed by experienced endoscopists. Clinic attenders completed a questionnaire which measured perceptions of the screening visit. Results —: The attendance rate was 49%. All clinic attenders were satisfied with the care received at clinic. Sixty five per cent of people experienced either no discomfort or mild discomfort, while 15% of people experienced moderate or severe pain. A bloated feeling was common (80%), with around 36% of people experiencing moderate or extreme bloating. Most people said that they were not at all embarrassed (64%), though 9% reported moderate or extreme embarrassment. Seventeen people (19%) were found to have polyps. Conclusions —: Although the procedure was acceptable to those who underwent the screening test, further research on effective recruitment strategies is required if a full scale flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme is to be considered feasible.