A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Firefighters.

OBJECTIVE: Firefighters are at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), yet rates of CRC screening are low among this occupational group. This study examines perceived risks, barriers, and facilitators to CRC screening.

METHODS: Three semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted by investigators in Tucson, AZ. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in the data.

RESULTS: Three groups of firefighters (8 male (57%); 6 female (43%) mean age 50.4 (SD = 12.2) years) voluntarily participated in the CRC discussions. Four major themes were examined: (1) perceptions of risk for CRC, (2) barriers to cancer screening, (3) facilitators to getting cancer screening, and (4) misinformation about CRC and screening.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate unique perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs among firefighters. Results from this study will inform the adaptation of a tailored CRC screening intervention for firefighters.