Demographic variables, family history of CRC, perceived risk, physician recommendation, and worry about cancer were independent measures. A logistic regression showed that physician recommendation was related significantly to obtaining digital rectal examinations. Physician recommendation and education were related significantly to obtaining fecal occult blood tests. Although participants with family histories of CRC perceived themselves as being at increased risk of developing CRC, and were more worried about developing colon cancer, they were no more likely to adhere to CRC screening guidelines than those without such histories. Overall, compliance with recommended CRC screening was low even among high-risk individuals.
Physicians play a key role in motivating people to comply with CRC screening.