Organized colorectal cancer screening: the participation rate according to the precariousness

Background The National Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (DOCCR) was introduced in 2008. The participation rate in France is much lower than the European recommendations (33.5% versus 45%). There are significant disparities across France. The objective was to assess whether there are disparities in participation rates within the Bouches-du-Rhône(BdR) department and to study the possible correlation of these geographical areas with their level of precariousness. Methods Based on data collected by the ARCADES association (management structure in charge of cancer screening in the BdR region), 325,207 people in 2012 and 489,953 in 2017 were invited to participate in the DOCCR. The participation was analysed in two aspects: participation rate (TP) (test carried out) and participation rate of those who took a test or expressed a justified refusal (TPJ) (personal or family history, other test under 2 years old, colonoscopy under 5 years old). An average precariousness rate was also assessed per municipality based on 2012 INSEE data for the age group concerned. Results The TP were 18.9% in 2012 and 14.4% in 2017; the TPJ were 22.8% and 16.4% respectively and differs significantly between the municipalities in the department (p < 0.001). The average precariousness rate observed in our population was 12.3 (±8.2). The TPJ is inversely correlated with the precariousness rate: the higher the latter, the lower the participation rate (R=-0.58 in 2012, R=-0.539 in 2017; p < 0.05). The average participation rate whatever the year is lower for municipalities with a precariousness rate below the median (19.2 ± 2 versus 16.9 ± 3.5 for the year 2017). Conclusions Participation rates in 2012 and 2017 are lower than the European recommendations. The participation is significantly related to the average rate of precariousness; the most vulnerable participate less well. Specific actions towards the most vulnerable are to be considered in order to improve adherence to the DOCCR. Key messages The participation organized colorectal cancer screening program is significantly related to the average rate of precariousness. Specific actions towards the most precarious are to be considered in order to improve adherence to the DOCCR.