Although screening characteristics proved to influence non-participation in colorectal cancer screening, an individual’s characteristics had a much higher impact on colorectal cancer screening non-participation.

Particularly, the individual’s general attitude towards colorectal cancer screening and whether the individual had participated in a cancer screening programme before had a high impact on colorectal cancer screening non-participation.

Policy makers and physicians can use these insights to improve and tailor their communication plans regarding colorectal cancer screening for unscreened individuals.