A Teachable Moment: Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Companions Waiting for Outpatients Undergoing a Colonoscopy

To determine colorectal cancer (CRC) screening knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and preferences for a future CRC screening educational intervention among adults (companions) waiting for outpatients undergoing a colonoscopy. We approached 384 companions at three endoscopy centers associated with one healthcare system to complete a survey from March to July 2017. The survey assessed CRC and CRC screening knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and preferences for a future CRC screening educational intervention. There were 164 companions at average risk for CRC that completed a self-administered survey. Among average-risk companions, 23% were not within screening guidelines. Additionally, 74% of those not within guidelines reported that they had never completed a CRC screening test. The most frequently reported barriers to CRC screening were the perception of not needing screening because they were asymptomatic and lack of a provider recommendation for screening. Companions suggested that a future CRC screening intervention include a brochure and/or a brief video, featuring men and women from different races/ethnicities, a CRC survivor, and a healthcare professional. Almost one-fourth of average-risk companions waiting at endoscopy centers were not within CRC screening guidelines, providing a teachable moment to recruit companions to participate in an educational intervention to encourage screening. Companions provided suggestions (e.g., content and channel) for a future intervention to promote CRC screening in this population.