Perception of Colonoscopy Benefits: A Gap in Patient Knowledge?

Our study aimed to determine, for patients who had undergone recent colonoscopy, associations between specific colonoscopy
patient characteristics, exam characteristics and patients’ perception of colonoscopy reducing their risk of dying from colorectal
cancer. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data (2004–2008) from the New Hampshire Colonoscopy Registry, consisting
of a Self-report Questionnaire, Colonoscopy Report form, and a Follow-up Questionnaire, which measured agreement responses
to the statement, “Having a colonoscopy decreased my chances of dying from colon cancer”. Chi-square tests and logistic regression
were used to assess differences in patient responses by patient and colonoscopy characteristics. A majority of patients (N = 5,672, 81%) agreed that having a colonoscopy decreased their chances of dying from colon cancer. Patients with a personal
history of polyps were more likely to agree that colonoscopy reduced their chances of dying compared to patients without prior
polypectomy [OR (95% CI) = 1.34 (1.06, 1.69)] and patients with a family history of colorectal cancer were 33% more likely
to agree to the statement than those without a family history [OR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.12, 1.58)]. Personal history of polyps
and family history of colorectal cancer are significant predictors of patients’ positive perception of colonoscopy, suggesting
that personal experience, rather than the potential preventive effect of colonoscopy itself, may influence the perceived benefit
of colonoscopy. Intervention efforts should be made to effectively disseminate knowledge of the preventive benefit of colonoscopy.