A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Firefighters

Jennifer Kue; Bárbara Piñeiro; Ana Gutierrez; Miranda Essa; Laura Szalacha; Steven M Moffatt; Carolyn M Muegge; Dianna Candito; Noman Ashraf; Usha Menon

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003095

A Qualitative Study Exploring Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Firefighters

J Occup Environ Med. 2024 Mar 21. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003095. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jennifer Kue, Bárbara Piñeiro¹, Ana Gutierrez², Miranda Essa¹, Laura Szalacha³, Steven M Moffatt⁴, Carolyn M Muegge⁴, Dianna Candito⁵, Noman Ashraf, Usha Menon

Affiliations

¹ College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
² College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
³ Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
⁴ National Institute for Public Safety Health, Ascension Public Safety Medical, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
⁵ University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA.

PMID: 38517151
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003095

Abstract

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.