Primary healthcare staffs’ willingness to conduct colorectal cancer screening: a South African study

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with South Africa recording the highest colorectal cancer burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, organised screening programmes in South Africa are limited. Aim To identify the demographics, knowledge, attitude and practice related factors associated with healthcare staffs’ willingness to conduct colorectal cancer screening in primary healthcare facilities in Durban, South Africa. Method A cross-sectional survey of 109 primary healthcare staff was conducted using a self-administered paper-based questionnaire, based on the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) model. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results Of the 109 respondents, 90 (83%) were willing to conduct colorectal cancer screening. Significant factors included: a preference for a structured programme of screening; a perception that national guidelines are influential; the importance of confidence in promoting screening; staffs’ ability to provide counselling; preparedness to discuss and advise on screening; and the perceived effectiveness of colonoscopy. Conclusion The results underscore the need to invest in nursing and primary healthcare capacity to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection.