Can Medical and Lay Logic Meet? Enhancing Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Early Detection, Mortality Reduction

Screening for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a health policy recommendation in many countries. The medical logic involved relies on disease related knowledge. There is a suitable technology for mass screening; and the results of randomized clinical trials, show a decrease in CRC mortality with annual performance of FOBT. This medical logic is in a different realm from that of lay logic. Individuals in the target population do not have access to the meanings embedded in the medical vocabulary. The 'well ' person is rarely attuned to the development of latent health problems. Cancer screening is a relatively recent innovation. Individuals in Israel are eligible for free, yearly, FOBT, but relatively few adhere; however, screening programs rely on high adherence rates for success in mortality reduction. Can the meanings behind medical considerations be translated? Part of this is medical professionals ’ use of new categories, neither ‘well ’ nor ‘sick’: being “at risk”, a “carrier”. Conveying their meaning, supporting adherence to CRC screening, may be the key to a diffusion, comprehension and absorption, as well as enhanced adherence and mortality reduction