A randomized controlled trial of a tailored interactive computer-delivered intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening: sometimes more is just the same.

Background: There have been few studies of tailored interventions to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Purpose: We conducted a randomized trial of a tailored, interactive intervention to increase CRC screening.

Methods: Patients 50-70 years completed a baseline survey, were randomized to one of three groups, and attended a wellness exam after being exposed to a tailored intervention about CRC screening (tailored group), a public web site about CRC screening (web site group), or no intervention (survey-only group).

Primary care patients' understanding of colorectal cancer screening.

Purpose: To determine the current level of awareness and understanding about colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) among primary care patients in order to develop interventions to educate patients about options for CRCS, help them identify CRCS preferences and make informed choices about CRCS options.

Methods: During the spring of 2001 and 2003, two sets of focus groups with primary care patients were conducted at a large multi-specialty group practice in Houston, Texas.

Results: Participants (n = 42) in both sets of focus groups had low knowledge about CRC and expressed fear and embarrassment about CRC and CRCS.