Flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: patient acceptance.

Although compelling evidence is available that screening can reduce the risk of death from colon cancer, patient compliance with screening in the United States is poor. The objective of this study is to describe a program that uses patient education to improve patient acceptance of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening. Our program provides multiple opportunities for patients to ask questions and to receive information. Preliminary data show that this approach has resulted in a procedure acceptance rate of 81% of those referred in the first year of the program. Future research needs to focus on evaluating factors associated with noncompliance in colorectal cancer screening programs.