R J Courtney1, C L Paul, R W Sanson-Fisher, F Macrae, J Attia, M McEvoy. 1. Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. ryan.courtney@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract
AIM: There are few data on the factors associated with healthcare-seeking behaviour for symptoms of colorectal cancer. This study describes the determinants of failure and delay in seeking medical advice for rectal bleeding and change in bowel habit. METHOD: In total, 1592 persons (56-88 years) were randomly selected from the Hunter Community Study and mailed a questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 18% (60/332) of respondents experiencing rectal bleeding and 20% (39/195) reporting change in bowel habit had never consulted a doctor. The rate of delay (>1 month) for each symptom was 18% and 37%. The reasons for delay included the assumption that the symptoms were not serious or that they were benign. Triggers for seeking medical advice varied. Healthcare-seeking behaviour for rectal bleeding had not significantly improved compared with a previous community-based study. CONCLUSION: The seriousness of symptoms, importance of early detection and prompt medical consultation must be articulated in health messages to at-risk persons.
AIM: There are few data on the factors associated with healthcare-seeking behaviour for symptoms of colorectal cancer. This study describes the determinants of failure and delay in seeking medical advice for rectal bleeding and change in bowel habit. METHOD: In total, 1592 persons (56-88 years) were randomly selected from the Hunter Community Study and mailed a questionnaire. RESULTS: In all, 18% (60/332) of respondents experiencing rectal bleeding and 20% (39/195) reporting change in bowel habit had never consulted a doctor. The rate of delay (>1 month) for each symptom was 18% and 37%. The reasons for delay included the assumption that the symptoms were not serious or that they were benign. Triggers for seeking medical advice varied. Healthcare-seeking behaviour for rectal bleeding had not significantly improved compared with a previous community-based study. CONCLUSION: The seriousness of symptoms, importance of early detection and prompt medical consultation must be articulated in health messages to at-risk persons.
Authors: Ryan J Courtney; Christine L Paul; Robert W Sanson-Fisher; Finlay A Macrae; Mariko L Carey; John Attia; Mark McEvoy Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-03-20 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Ryan J Courtney; Christine L Paul; Robert W Sanson-Fisher; Finlay A Macrae; John Attia; Mark McEvoy Journal: BMC Gastroenterol Date: 2012-08-03 Impact factor: 3.067