Background: Cancer screening can improve outcomes in patients with cancer. Accordingly, under the direction of the National Health Insurance program, the Taiwan government conducts screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the primary predictors of cancer screening intention and behavior at 1 and 6 months after patients are provided information and an invitation by telephone to attend cancer screenings.
Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, 339 participants meeting the screening criteria were recruited. At baseline, telephone interviews were used to collect information on demographic characteristics, exercise and smoking habits, family cancer history, screening beliefs, and screening intention. Screening behavior was followed up at 1 and 6 months after the telephone interviews.
Results: At baseline, 87.02% of the participants intended to undergo screening, and 31.86% and 63.42% had undergone screening after 1 and 6 months, respectively. The predictors of screening intention were awareness of the screening policy, willingness to learn about screening, and believing in the health benefits of screening. The predictor of screening behavior after 1 month was screening intention at baseline, and the predictors of behavior after 6 months were screening intention, marital status, and belief that cancer is a hereditary disease.
Conclusion: Adults with screening intention tended to undergo cancer screenings.
Implications for practice: The use of strategies based on screening intention, beliefs, and information can be used to improve participation in cancer screening in Taiwan.
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