Table 2 Themes of barriers to anal self-examination (ASE)
Attitudinal barriers | Concern about discomfort with any anal examinations |
| Â | Anxiety about finding an abnormality |
| Â | Preference for a health professional to do an anal examination |
| Â | Too many sensations or sexual connotations with ASE |
Knowledge barriers | Lack of awareness of anal cancer risk |
| Â | Ignorance of how anal cancer presents |
Practical barriers | Inadequate physical flexibility to conduct an ASE |
| Â | Importance of cleanliness before ASE |