Patients’ knowledge, attitudes, preferences regarding kidney cancer screening, and factors influencing participation intentions: a qualitative study

Introduction: Screening is a crucial method for improving the early detection rate of Kidney Cancer (KC). Numerous challenges currently exist in the promotion and implementation of KC screening. As direct participants in the screening and diagnostic process, KC patients possess a deeper understanding of the screening procedures. Clarifying patients' attitudes and preferences toward KC screening is particularly important for optimizing screening policies. Methods: This study employed purposive sampling to select KC patients as research subjects. Using the phenomenological research method within qualitative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather participants' attitudes and preferences regarding KC screening. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's seven-step method to extract themes related to KC screening. Results: This study identified 7 themes and 29 subthemes centered on three core dimensions: "Attitudes and Preferences Toward KC Screening," "Factors Influencing Participation in KC Screening," and "Access to Screening Information." Recognition of screening value (including 3 sub-themes: intervention in disease progression, screening necessity for asymptomatic individuals, screening demand among high-risk populations); screening method focus dimensions and selection preferences (including 5 sub-themes: accuracy, convenience, safety, affordability, scientific validity). Facilitating factors (including 5 sub-themes: health consciousness, positive social support, risk awareness motivation, authoritative advice, and convenient screening opportunities); Barriers (including 6 sub-themes: complacency, time constraints, information resource limitations, financial burden, psychological avoidance, accuracy concerns). Information Acquisition Channels (including 4 sub-themes: healthcare provider communication, online media, interpersonal exchange, physical promotional materials); Healthcare Provider Assistance (including 3 sub-themes: process guidance, accessible information delivery, psychological counseling); Preferred Screening Promotion Channels (including 3 sub-themes: offline promotional events, online science communication, public welfare activities). Conclusions: This study clarifies renal cancer patients' attitudes and preferences regarding renal cancer screening, as well as the factors influencing their participation in screening, providing a reference for optimizing screening strategies. The study recommends that future efforts should integrate public needs by implementing risk stratification, optimizing screening technologies, improving healthcare coverage mechanisms, simplifying service procedures, strengthening public risk education, and emphasizing psychological counseling. These measures will enhance participation rates and implementation effectiveness of renal cancer screening.