Factors associated with participation in an occupational program for colorectal cancer screening

This study reports factors associated with participation in a colorectal cancer screening program for a cohort of workers on a polypropylene manufacturing unit. The impetus for the screening program was the discovery of a colorectal cancer cluster among workers on this unit. The program included a life-style/risk factor questionnaire, fecal occult blood test, a 60-cm colonoscopy, and an air-contrast barium enema. Factors associated with completion of screening are analyzed and discussed in the context of the literature on participation in colorectal screening programs. The implications for colorectal cancer screening of occupational groups believed to be at high risk are considered