Barriers to and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Egypt: Examining the Perceptions of Physicians and Residents in Alexandria

• DOI: 10.1200/go.20.35000
• Publication Date: 2020-07-27T20:01:19Z
• Authors: Lori Brand Bateman; Somaia Khamess; Ahmed Nawar; Salah-Eldin Abdel...; Waleed Arafat; Mona Fouad; Yomna Khamis; Laura Q. Rogers; James M. Shikany; Doaa M. Genena; Abbas Omar; Karim S. Abdeltawab; Randa Salah Abdel...; Isabel Scarinci
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Moderation

PURPOSE Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is not routinely performed in Egypt, and more than one third of CRC cases occur individuals age 40 younger, with overall survival estimated at only 2 years, presumably because late diagnoses. To lay the foundation for development a multilevel program Egypt to promote prevention early detection, this qualitative study aimed explore potential barriers facilitators from perspectives physicians residents Alexandria. METHODS We conducted one-on-one, 1-hour, semistructured interviews primary health care specialists—oncologists gastroenterologists—practicing Alexandria, Egypt. Focus groups residents, stratified by social class gender, were also held. Interviews focus Arabic trained interviewers/moderator, audio recorded, transcribed, translated into English, analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Seventeen participated—8 specialists 9 physicians—and 7 groups—7 8 participants each—were According both interview group participants, individual-level included socioeconomic status, lack emphasis on culture, fear, cost. Provider-level as mentioned belief that high-risk patients should be screened confidence providers perform interpret tests appropriately. Structural-level barriers, discussed cost testing availability. Potential implementing media campaign emphasizing detection curability. focused making free or low cost, obligatory, convenient. CONCLUSION On basis perceptions multiple exist. Addressing these would important designing successful program.