Abstract
Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is an effective tool that aggressively identifies and treats preventable colorectal disease. Yet incidence and mortality disparities still exist. Methods. A cross-sectional sample of persons at risk of CRC residing in a Midwestern metropolitan area (n = 43) reported their knowledge, beliefs, and perceived barriers of CRC screening. Results. Minorities were significantly more likely to have inaccurate knowledge/beliefs and increased perceived internal/external barriers of CRC screening than Whites. Conclusions. Health education programs designed to increase CRC screening efficacy have to address the predisposed knowledge, beliefs, and perceived barriers of diverse persons at risk. J Cancer Educ. 2008; 23:238-240.