Work

Key recommendations to improve equity and access in colorectal cancer screening for rural and remote communities. A grounded theory study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To explore barriers contributing to low participation in bowel cancer screening among rural populations, while investigating community-identified recommendations to improve access. METHODS: A grounded theory approach was applied to qualitative, online, semi structured interviews. Empirical data were inductively coded with constant comparison applied across the data corpus to contextualise meaning. RESULTS: 31 rural and remote Queenslanders participated. Theory surrounding the phenomena of low participation in bowel cancer screening highlighted broader system-level design-inhibited participation for geographically diverse populations. Pervasive themes prohibiting bowel cancer screening access stemmed from a lack of local healthcare availability across both primary care and endoscopic outpatient services as necessitated for community engagement and participation in bowel cancer screening. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that access to both immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and follow-up colonoscopy is fraught with barriers preventing equitable access to bowel cancer screening for rural and remote communities. Consumer-driven patient navigation strategies, improved healthcare availability and adjustments to the current program design are required to mitigate program disparities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Elevating the voices of lived-experience experts to influence existing models of delivery has the potential to increase participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and improve health outcomes for geographically diverse populations.

Source: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2025.100295

Authors: Nicole Marinucci, Natasha Koloski, Kate Baker, Naomi Moy, Gerald Holtmann

Institutions: The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600