A randomised controlled trial of a distraction intervention to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer in Ireland, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. It is one of the few internal cancers that, if caught early, are preventable. Preclinical lesions that may lead to CRC can be detected through screening. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is one form of screening, and it involves the visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, using a ligthed, flexible tube connected to an eyepiece or video screen for viewing.