We tested a conceptual model that describes the relationship between individuals’ understanding of the multifactorial nature of cancer and their self-reported colorectal cancer screening. We collected cross-sectional survey data from 205 men and women age 50–75. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The proposed model had reasonable fit (RMSEA = 0.09, CFI = 0.65). Multifactorial causal beliefs were associated with cancer risk perceptions (β = 0.16, p = 0.019) and more optimistic cancer cognitions (β = 0.17, p = 0.013). However, these constructs were not associated with colorectal cancer screening ( p’s > 0.05). Further testing could reveal whether this model can be applied to other cancer-related health behaviors including lifestyle changes and genetic testing.
