In Malaysia, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in males and the third most common in females.Mortality due to colorectal cancer can be effectively reduced with early diagnosis. This study was designed tolook into colorectal cancer screening participation and its barriers among average risk individuals in Malaysia.A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2009 till April 2010 involving average risk individuals from44 primary care clinics in West Malaysia. Each individual was asked whether they have performed any of thecolorectal cancer screening methods in the past five years. The barrier questions had three domains: patientfactors, test factors and health care provider factors. Descriptive analysis was achieved using Statistical Programfor Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12.0. A total of 1,905 average risk individuals responded making a responserate of 93.8%. Only 13 (0.7%) respondents had undergone any of the colorectal cancer screening methods inthe past five years. The main patient and test factors for not participating were embarrassment (35.2%) andfeeling uncomfortable (30.0%), respectively. There were 11.2% of respondents who never received any adviceto do screening. The main reason for them to undergo screening was being advised by health care providers(84.6%). The study showed that participation in colorectal cancer screening in Malaysia is extremely low andmultiple factors contribute to this situation. Given the importance of the disease, efforts should be made toincrease colorectal cancer screening activities in Malaysia.
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