Patients’ Views on Screening Tests: From the Narratives of People Involved in Two Tests

Abstract

Screening tests, developed in the late 20th century, are essential medical examinations and health checks used beyond the public health model to avoid invasive and definitive tests. Some programs are not under control, and measures are being taken to encourage patients and promote their understanding. This paper is focused on colorectal cancer screening, which is highly effective, and NIPT, which is concerned with mass screenings, to analyze the issues surrounding screening tests by interpreting the attitudes of people involved with them. The results indicated that the desire “to feel relieved” about one’s health may not be enough to encourage people to follow the “correct” pathway, from screening to definitive testing, so programs must take into account the vulnerability associated with the uncertainty of whether or not a person is sick.