Many of the top barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening were specific to screening colonoscopy1
The Cologuard® test is a noninvasive CRC screening that can help address potential barriers to early detection of CRC for eligible patients.
Cologuard eligibility
View which patients are eligible for screening with the Cologuard test.
Perceived barriers can stand in the way of CRC screening for eligible patients1
Renee | Patient barrier:
Logistics (time)
Renee is a 49-year-old who is always busy taking care of others and never has time for herself. She is a working mother of 3 who missed last year’s physical and has no reported symptoms of CRC. Watch how the Cologuard test helped her screen for CRC.
Mary | Patient barrier: Fear
Mary is a 55-year-old small business owner who believes that even talking about cancer can make it a reality. She presents with insomnia, fatigue, and a history of hypertension and anxiety. Mary is also overdue for preventive screenings. Watch how the Cologuard test helped her screen for CRC.
Alex | Patient barrier:
Discomfort with procedure
Alex is a 63-year-old truck driver and Little League coach who takes life one day at a time. He’s had a negative experience with colonoscopy in the past and is generally distrustful of the healthcare system. Watch how the Cologuard test helped him screen for CRC.
“The Cologuard test can be completed easily at home, and won’t require me – or my kids – to slow down.”
RENEE
49-year-old busy mother of 3 children
Not actual patient
"The Cologuard test can screen me for CRC at home, which makes me feel more comfortable than an in-office procedure."
MARY
55-year-old small business owner
Not actual patient
"The Cologuard test was a good choice for me. With no preparation or anesthesia, I got right back on the road."
ALEX
63-year-old Little League coach
Not actual patient
Shared decision-making
Explore a method that may increase CRC screening acceptance in your practice
- Cluster-randomized trial performed in 11 urban and rural federally qualified health centers across 2 health systems in metropolitan St. Louis and rural southeastern Missouri aimed at evaluation of self-identified barriers to CRC screening (n=483). Data were collected through surveys administered in person, by phone, or by mail. Previously screened and unscreened eligible participants (aged ≥50 years) were asked about health insurance and access to care, and “What barriers/things got in the way of being screened?” CRC screening with fecal occult blood test/fecal immunochemical test (FOBT/FIT), sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy were assessed.1
- Fear related to CRC screening manifested in different ways, with eligible patients expressing concerns related to the procedure, sedation, and outcomes of the procedure.1
- Other barriers include medical mistrust (n=4), lack of information on CRC screening (n=5), religious reasons (n=2), or they simply “don't want to” (n=7).1