Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs in many countries often adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, commonly utilizing the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). However, an increasing number of studies explores the potential benefits of a risk-based approach, utilizing factors such as prior FIT values, age, or sex to individualize screening, but the attitudes of citizens towards such an optimization are not entirely clarified. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the Danish citizen’s attitudes towards a risk-based optimization of the National CRC screening program and to clarify the citizen’s needs of information regarding an optimization. Methods A total of 4 focus groups were conducted with 26 informants of both genders, aged 52–70 years. Data were transcribed and analyzed using systematic text condensation. Results Three themes describing the attitudes and two themes addressing the information needs were established. The informants generally had positive attitudes and risk-based CRC screening was broadly deemed acceptable when clinically justified. However, shorter intervals for high-risk citizens were seen as both concerning, due to elevated risk, and reassuring, due to closer monitoring, while longer intervals reassured by implying lower risk. Most informants had minimal information needs and were uncertain about the necessity of risk information. Nevertheless, a few informants preferred the option of telephone contact to address concerns. Conclusion The attitudes towards a risk-based optimization of the Danish CRC screening program is positive and considered relevant by citizens. It will not require major changes to the information material, although healthcare professionals must be prepared to answer any potential question.
Therkildsen et al. (Sat,) studied this question.