Participation in a government-subsidised colorectal cancer screening programme for asymptomatic individuals in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND

A Government-subsidised colorectal cancer screening programme (CRCSP) was launched in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the participation rate in CRCSP among Chinese individuals between the ages of 50 and 75 years and to survey individuals' reasons for declining to participate in the CRCSP.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed. Asymptomatic Chinese individuals aged 50-75 years in Hong Kong who did not have a history of colorectal cancer were recruited. A survey was used to collect information about individuals' participation in the CRCSP.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 1317 participants. Of these, 432 (32.8%) joined the CRCSP and the remaining 885 participants (67.2%) did not join the CRCSP. The most common reason that participants provided for not joining the CRCSP was thinking that the screening was not necessary because they had no health problems (29.3%). Some (14.4%) of the participants claimed to lack information about the CRCSP and screening procedures. Some (12.5%) of them completed the screening before the CRCSP was launched, and the cost was covered by other sources.

CONCLUSION

The participation in CRCSP for a screening among the Hong Kong population has generally increased, but obstacles to participating in screening programme remain.