3599 Background: Population-based FOBt colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce cancer specific mortality and is used across the UK. Despite evidence that socioeconomic deprivation is associated with increased incidence of colorectal cancer, uptake of screening may be lower in those who are more deprived. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of deprivation on the screening process. Methods: A prospectively maintained database, encompassing the first screening round in a single geographical area, was analysed with deprivation categories calculated from the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2009. Results: Overall, 395,698 individuals were invited to screening, 204,812(52%) participated and 6,094(3%) tested positive. 32% of screened individuals were in the most deprived quintile. Of the positive tests, 5,457(95%) agreed to be pre-assessed for colonoscopy. 839(16%) did not proceed to colonoscopy following pre-assessment. Of the 4,618 that attended for colonoscopy, cancer was detected in 7%. Colonoscopy results were not recorded in 1,035(22%) cases. Lower uptake of screening was seen in males, those that were younger and those who were more deprived (p<0.001). Higher levels of deprivation were also associated with not proceeding to colonoscopy following pre-assessment (p<0.001). Higher positivity rates were seen in males, those that were older and more deprived (p<0.001). Despite higher positivity rates in the more deprived individuals (4% most deprived vs 2% least deprived, p<0.001), the positive predictive value of detecting cancer in those attending for colonoscopy was lower in those who were more deprived (6% most deprived vs 8% least deprived, p=0.040). Conclusions: Socioeconomic deprivation has a significant effect throughout the FOBt screening process. Individuals who are more deprived are less likely to participate in screening, less likely to complete the screening process and less likely to have cancer identified as a result of a positive test. This study adds further weight to existing evidence that individuals who are more deprived are less likely to engage in population-based FOBt colorectal cancer screening. Novel strategies to improve this are required.
Factors associated with participation in colorectal cancer screening: a population-based study of 7200 Chinese individuals
