Embedded survey study harms colorectal cancer screening attendance: Experiences from Finland 2010 to 2015

Objective We previously found that administering a pre-screening lifestyle questionnaire lowered the subsequent attendance proportion in the first-ever colorectal cancer screening. We sought to determine whether the effect continued in subsequent screening rounds. Methods The eligible survey cohort ( n = 10,375) received a follow-up questionnaire in 2012, and in 2013, they were invited for colorectal cancer screening for the second time. For the third screening round, in 2015, no questionnaires were sent in the previous year. Screening attendance in 2013 and in 2015 was examined in relation to survey mailings. Results The colorectal cancer screening attendance rate in 2013 was 58.4% in the survey population, and 63.9% in those not surveyed ( P < 0.001). In 2015, the screening attendance rate was 61.7% among those who had been sent the questionnaires in 2010 and in 2012, and 66.2% in those not surveyed ( P < 0.001). The reduction in screening attendance was greater at the second (2013) round than at the first (2011). Conclusion The effect of the initial survey seemed to continue even when no questionnaires were being sent. Attendance among those who had been sent questionnaires earlier did not reach the level of the group that was never surveyed.

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Initial participation as a predictor for continuous participation in population-based colorectal cancer screening

Journal of Medical Screening ◽

10.1177/0969141317717757 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 126-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Deborah Saraste ◽

Daniel J Öhman ◽

Marika Sventelius ◽

K Miriam Elfström ◽

Johannes Blom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Screening ◽

Colorectal Cancer Screening ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Occult Blood ◽

Population Based ◽

Faecal Occult Blood Testing ◽

Faecal Occult

Objectives To assess patterns and probabilities of participation in multiple rounds of colorectal cancer screening. Methods All individuals who were invited to participate in population-based colorectal cancer screening in the Stockholm-Gotland region in Sweden between 1 January 2008 and 30 September 2015 were included in the study. Guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing was used. All individuals invited to the three first consecutive screening rounds were included in the analysis. Results There were 346,168 individuals eligible for invitation to screening. The average participation rate during the follow-up period was 60%. Eligible individuals could be invited 1–4 times, depending on age at first invitation. Of 48,959 individuals invited to the three first consecutive rounds of screening, 71% participated at least once, and 50% participated in all three rounds. Participation at first invitation was a predictor for participation in subsequent rounds, and the likelihood of continuous participation following participation in the first round was 84%. Of those who attended the first and second rounds, 93% also participated in the third round. Similar patterns of consistency were seen among non-participants. For individuals not participating in the first screening round, the likelihood of consistent non-participation was 71. Conclusions Participation in the first round of screening is a strong predictor for participation in subsequent rounds. Therefore, reducing barriers for initial participation is a key for achieving consistent participation over several rounds in organized colorectal cancer screening programmes.

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