Barriers to colorectal cancer screening in a low income, urban population: a descriptive study

The purpose of this study was to describe barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among a low income, urban sample. Participants were active members, or dependents, of a health care workers' union the New York City metropolitan area. The sample comprised 60 men and women of various ethnicity. A panel design was used with telephone contacts for up to 6 months. Data were collected during each telephone interaction regarding barriers associated with receipt of CRC screening. The majority of the barriers were based on influences of significant others and social environment, time constraints, other health problems, stress, and crisis.