Hemoccult II Screening for Bowel Cancer: Will Family Practice Patients Accept It?

Acceptability to patients of Hemoccult II® screening for bowel cancer will be a major determinant of whether such screening programs can be successfully implemented. In order to evaluate the screening test's acceptability to patients, compliance rates were assessed in 17 family practices in London, Ontario. Patients' reactions to the test were assessed by both a retrospective questionnaire and a similar prospective questionnaire. Respondents indicated the test's unpleasantness, dietary preparation, and forgetfulness were the most prominent factors associated with non-compliance. The concurrent use of other medications was also identified as a limiting factor. Knowledge of these factors may assist the family physician in improving patients' acceptance of the test.