P78 Socio-economic Determinants of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Australia

Abstract

Australia has the highest incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the world. In 2010, 14,860 new CRC cases diagnosed accounting for 12.7% of all new cancers. CRC is a complex disease and its aetiology, prevention and prognosis cannot be reduced solely to the analysis of people’s individual and biological attributes. Research from the United State and Europe has consistently shown a close relationship between low socio-economic status (SES) and lower screening participation. While, it is of limited applicability and relevance to Australia given the specificities of its health system and the current state of its national bowel cancer screening program, which is being substantially under-utilis..