Tough men, healthy guts: A cross-sectional survey on the role of masculinity in the Curaçao colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program

OBJECTIVES: In Curaçao, men participate half as often as women in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Conformity to masculine norms may influence participation. This study aimed to assess the level of conformity to masculine norms and the intention to participate in CRC screening among men in Curaçao. We also assessed the association between the two. METHODS: Questionnaires were collected from men (50-75 years) in Curaçao, through personal distribution and snowball sampling. The Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-30 (CMNI-30) was used. CRC screening participation, attitudes towards CRC, cancer worry, self-rated health and CRC risk perception were also measured using validated instruments. Regression analysis determined association between CMNI-30 and intention, while ANOVA measured differences in CMNI-30 means. RESULTS: Of 109 men, 83 % reported a positive screening intention. Conformity to masculine norms was moderate, mean CMNI-30 was 75.2 ± 11.3 (30-150). CMNI-30 score was not significantly associated with screening intention (OR: 0.98, 95 % CI: 0.94-1.02; P = 0.47). Scoring higher on the CMNI-30 playboy subscale (OR:0.73, 95 % CI: 0.54-0.99; P = 0.04) was associated with negative CRC screening intention. Overall, 89 % of the men had a positive attitude towards CRC screening, cancer worry was high for 68 %, 75 % rated their health as "good" and risk perception was low for 88 %. CMNI-30 mean was significantly lower for men who participated in CRC screening (P = 0.04) and significantly higher for those with high cancer worry (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The men in this study showed moderate conformity to masculine norms, high CRC screening intention and no association between the two. The CMNI-30 mean was significantly lower for those who participated in CRC screening and higher for high cancer worry.