SUMMARY Aim The aim was to describe the association of awareness and knowledge with participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Materials & methods Telephone survey research was conducted with South Carolina (USA) residents aged 50–75 years using a 144-item instrument. Data were analyzed with SAS and Stata. Adjusted odds ratios are reported. Results Respondents (n = 1302) had heard of CRC screening (96%) and exhibited high levels of CRC awareness and knowledge; only 74% had ever been screened. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with a greater likelihood of having ever been screened (odds ratio: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.41; p < 0.001). Conclusion Results showed high levels of awareness and knowledge, but modest participation in CRC. Transforming awareness and knowledge into CRC screening participation should be a priority.

SUMMARY Aim To compare participation in breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening with colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Materials & methods This random digit-dialed survey includes participants (aged 50–75 years) from South Carolina (USA). Past participation information in fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, mammography, clinical breast examination, Pap test, prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination was obtained.Adjusted odds ratios are reported. Results Among European–American women, any cervical or breast cancer screening was associated with adherence to any CRC screening. Among African–American women, mammography was associated with adherence to any CRC screening. Digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen tests were associated with adherence to any CRC screening test among all men. Conclusion Future research should explore approaches inclusive of cancer screening recommendations for multiple cancer types for reduction of cancer screening disparities.

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