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. 2012 Jan;54(1):97-103.
doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.10.017. Epub 2011 Oct 29.

Understanding the potential and challenges of adenoma treatment as a prevention opportunity: insights from the BeWEL formative study

Martine Stead  1 , Stephen Caswell, Angela M Craigie, Douglas Eadie, Annie S Anderson; BeWEL team
Collaborators, Affiliations

Understanding the potential and challenges of adenoma treatment as a prevention opportunity: insights from the BeWEL formative study

Martine Stead et al. Prev Med. 2012 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore prevention opportunities presented by colorectal adenoma diagnosis and inform engagement strategies for the BeWEL study (body weight and physical activity lifestyle intervention for colorectal cancer screening participants who have undergone adenoma removal).

Methods: Qualitative study comprising 4 purposively sampled focus groups conducted in urban and rural areas in Tayside, Scotland, with different deprivation levels. Participants were men and women (n=17) aged 50-74 with BMI>25 kg/m(2) with removal of adenoma detected by colorectal cancer screening.

Results: Adenoma diagnosis presents both opportunities and challenges for prevention. Some patients perceived adenoma as minor and not sufficiently motivating to act as a 'teachable moment'. Patients had low awareness of the relationship between adenoma and lifestyle factors, and received little information on prevention during screening and treatment. Consequently they interpreted post-treatment 'all clear' messages as validation of existing lifestyles, and did not see the relevance of prevention advice. Receptiveness increased when the association between lifestyle, adenoma recurrence and other illness was explained.

Conclusion: The study illustrates the value of exploratory research into patient understanding to improve communications and health services. Without unduly worrying patients, professionals should explain how to reduce risk of adenoma, cancer and other diseases, particularly through diet, physical activity and weight reduction.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of recruitment to focus groups (Tayside Scotland, May to September 2010).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Key findings and selected representative quotations: understanding of the significance and causes of adenoma (Tayside Scotland, May to September 2010).
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Key findings and selected representative quotations: response to concept of being offered lifestyle change advice following adenoma treatment (Tayside Scotland, May to September 2010).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Strategies undertaken to assist participation and recruitment to BeWEL RCT resulting from the BeWEL focus group work.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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