scholarly journals To do or not to do – A survey study on factors associated with participating in the Danish Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Bo Nielsen ◽  
Gabriela Berg-Beckhoff ◽  
Anja Leppin

Abstract BackgroundScreening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist in many countries, and with varying participation rates. The present study aimed at identifying socio-demographic factors for accepting a cost-free screening offer for CRC, and to study if more people would accept the screening offer if the present fecal test was replaced by a blood test. MethodsWe used a cross-sectional survey design based on a representative group of 6,807 Danish citizens aged 50-80 years returning a fully answered web-based questionnaire with socio-demographic data added from national registries. Data were analyzed in STATA and based on bivariate analyses followed by regression models. ResultsDanes in general have a high level of lifetime participation (+80%) in the national CRC screening program. The results of the stepwise logistic regression model to predict CRC screening participation demonstrated that female gender, age, income, and moderate alcohol intake was positively associated with screening participation, whereas a negative association was observed for educational attainment, obesity, smoking status, and willingness to take health risks. Of the 1026 respondents not accepting the screening offer, 61% were willing to reconsider their initial negative response if the fecal sampling procedure were replaced by blood sampling.ConclusionThe CRC screening program intents to include the entire population within a certain at-risk age group. However, individual factors (e.g. gender, age obesity, smoking, risk aversity) appear to significantly affect willingness to participate in the screening program. From a preventive perspective, our findings indicate the need for a more targeted approach trying to reach these groups.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Bo Nielsen ◽  
Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff ◽  
Anja Leppin

Abstract Background Screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist in many countries, and with varying participation rates. The present study aimed at identifying socio-demographic factors for accepting a cost-free screening offer for CRC in Denmark, and to study if more people would accept the screening offer if the present fecal test was replaced by a blood test. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey design based on a representative group of 6807 Danish citizens aged 50–80 years returning a fully answered web-based questionnaire with socio-demographic data added from national registries. Data were analyzed in STATA and based on bivariate analyses followed by regression models. Results Danes in general have a high level of lifetime participation (+ 80%) in the national CRC screening program. The results of the stepwise logistic regression model to predict CRC screening participation demonstrated that female gender, higher age, higher income, and moderate alcohol intake were positively associated with screening participation, whereas a negative association was observed for higher educational attainment, obesity, being a smoker, and higher willingness to take health risks. Of the 1026 respondents not accepting the screening offer, 61% were willing to reconsider their initial negative response if the fecal sampling procedure were replaced by blood sampling. Conclusion The CRC screening program intends to include the entire population within a certain at-risk age group. However, individual factors (e.g. sex, age obesity, smoking, risk aversity) appear to significantly affect willingness to participate in the screening program. From a preventive perspective, our findings indicate the need for a more targeted approach trying to reach these groups.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Bo Nielsen ◽  
Gabriela Berg-Beckhoff ◽  
Anja Leppin

Abstract Background Screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist in many countries, and with varying participation rates. The present study aimed at identifying socio-demographic factors for accepting a cost-free screening offer for CRC in Denmark, and to study if more people would accept the screening offer if the present fecal test was replaced by a blood test. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey design based on a representative group of 6,807 Danish citizens aged 50-80 years returning a fully answered web-based questionnaire with socio-demographic data added from national registries. Data were analyzed in STATA and based on bivariate analyses followed by regression models. Results Danes in general have a high level of lifetime participation (+80%) in the national CRC screening program. The results of the stepwise logistic regression model to predict CRC screening participation demonstrated that female gender, higher age, higher income, and moderate alcohol intake were positively associated with screening participation, whereas a negative association was observed for higher educational attainment, obesity, being a smoker, and higher willingness to take health risks. Of the 1026 respondents not accepting the screening offer, 61% were willing to reconsider their initial negative response if the fecal sampling procedure were replaced by blood sampling.Conclusion The CRC screening program intends to include the entire population within a certain at-risk age group. However, individual factors (e.g. sex, age obesity, smoking, risk aversity) appear to significantly affect willingness to participate in the screening program. From a preventive perspective, our findings indicate the need for a more targeted approach trying to reach these groups.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesper Bo Nielsen ◽  
Gabriela Berg-Beckhoff ◽  
Anja Leppin

Abstract Background Screening programs for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist in many countries, and with varying participation rates. The present study aimed at identifying socio-demographic factors for accepting a cost-free screening offer for CRC in Denmark, and to study if more people would accept the screening offer if the present fecal test was replaced by a blood test. Methods We used a cross-sectional survey design based on a representative group of 6,807 Danish citizens aged 50-80 years returning a fully answered web-based questionnaire with socio-demographic data added from national registries. Data were analyzed in STATA and based on bivariate analyses followed by regression models. Results Danes in general have a high level of lifetime participation (+80%) in the national CRC screening program. The results of the stepwise logistic regression model to predict CRC screening participation demonstrated that female gender, higher age, higher income, and moderate alcohol intake were positively associated with screening participation, whereas a negative association was observed for higher educational attainment, obesity, being a smoker, and higher willingness to take health risks. Of the 1026 respondents not accepting the screening offer, 61% were willing to reconsider their initial negative response if the fecal sampling procedure were replaced by blood sampling.Conclusion The CRC screening program intends to include the entire population within a certain at-risk age group. However, individual factors (e.g. gender, age obesity, smoking, risk aversity) appear to significantly affect willingness to participate in the screening program. From a preventive perspective, our findings indicate the need for a more targeted approach trying to reach these groups.



BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Bach Larsen ◽  
Heidi Heinsen Bachmann ◽  
Bo Søborg ◽  
Tinne Laurberg ◽  
Katrine J. Emmertsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Screening is defined as the identification of unrecognized disease in an apparently healthy population. Symptomatic individuals are recommended to contact a physician instead of participating in screening. However, in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening this approach may be problematic as abdominal symptoms are nonspecific. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence of self-reported abdominal symptoms among screening-eligible men and women aged 50–74 years. Methods This cross-sectional survey study included 11,537 individuals aged 50–74 years invited for CRC screening from 9 to 23 September 2019. Descriptive statistics of responders experiencing alarm symptoms of CRC, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) were derived. The association between abdominal symptoms and demographic and socioeconomic variables were estimated by prevalence ratio (PR) using a Poisson regression model with robust variance. Results A total of 5488 respondents were included. The respondents were more likely women, of older age, Danish, cohabiting and had higher education and income level compared to non-respondents. Abdominal pain more than once a week was experienced by 12.0% of the respondents. Of these, 70.8% had been experiencing this symptom for >1 month. Fresh blood in the stool was experienced by 0.7% and of these 82.1% for >1 month. About one third of those experiencing alarm symptoms more than once a week for >1 month had not consulted a doctor. A total of 64.1% of the respondents had no LARS, 21.7% had minor LARS and 14.2% had major LARS. The median PAC-SYM score was 0.33 (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.17;0.75), the median abdominal score was 0.50 (IQR: 0.00;1.00), median rectal score 0.00 (IQR:0.00;0.33) and median stool score 0.40 (IQR: 0.00;0.80). Men and those aged 65–74 reported less symptoms than women and those aged 50–64 years, respectively. Conclusions This study illustrated that abdominal symptoms were frequent among screening-eligible men and women. This should be taken into account when implementing and improving CRC screening strategies. A concerning high number of the respondents experiencing alarm symptoms had not consulted a doctor. This calls for attention to abdominal symptoms in general and how those with abdominal symptoms should participate in CRC screening.



2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vives Nuria ◽  
Binefa Gemma ◽  
Vidal Carmen ◽  
Milà Núria ◽  
Muñoz Rafael ◽  
...  

Abstract Background By mid-March 2020, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program in Catalonia was suspended at all levels. Our goal was to assess the short-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at a FIT-based CRC screening hub in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Methods Short-term impact was measured in individuals invited between 1 January and 12 March 2020: screening participation, colonoscopy adherence, interval from positive test result to colonoscopy and psychological distress. Results Lockdown with the first wave of COVID-19 caused 111,000 individuals to defer their screening invitations. Participation among invitees between January - March 2020 was 39.3% (95% CI: 38.9–39.7), a decrease of 5% in comparison with the 41.4% (95% CI: 41.2–41.6) participation in 2019. Adherence to colonoscopy decreased from 89.3% (95% CI: 88.4–90.2) in 2019 to 81.4% (95% CI: 78.9–83.7) in the first quarter of 2020. The mean time to colonoscopy after resumption was 128.7 days (CI 95%: 125.3–132.2). Irrespective of test results, factors associated with higher levels of distress were a greater perceived risk of CRC and greater impairment of emotional wellbeing due to COVID-19. Conclusions The short-term impact of COVID-19 on CRC screening seems to have been modest, with a slight decrease in participation, a moderate decrease in colonoscopy adherence, and lengthened waiting times. However, a marked impact on future CRC incidence and deaths could be expected. Thus, it is critical to revert participation and colonoscopy adherence rates to that previously achieved while reducing the 5-month delay in screening invitations.



2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C E Gandolfi ◽  
D Iemmi ◽  
C Lari ◽  
R Danese ◽  
A R Silvestri

Abstract Issue According to the United Nations basic principles for the treatment of prisoners, they “shall have access to the health services available in the country without discrimination on the grounds of their legal situation”. In Italy this principle is executed by national legislation allocating responsibility for inmates' health directly to the National Health Service. In the Metropolitan City of Milan this duty is fulfilled by the Agency for Health Protection (ATS) that guarantees medical assistance in its penitentiaries. Description of the problem In Italy, cancer screening activities are considered essential levels of assistance i.e. guaranteed to all citizens. In fact, organised colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is offered by ATS, free of charge, to males and females, aged 50 to 74, in the form of a fecal immunochemical test every 2 years. Unfortunately, CRC screening uptake remains low among fragile patients, such as jail inmates, who are hard-to-reach by standard organised screening efforts. In 2019 the ATS Preventive Medicine Screening Unit began a small pilot organised CRC screening program, specific for inmates, starting in one of the city's main penitentiaries: Casa di Reclusione Milano Bollate, comprising 1200 inmates, and recently appointed nationwide referral center for elderly inmates. Results Inmates represent a large scarcely screened population that, following implementation of an organised tailored CRC screening program, showed high willingness to participate. Organised cancer screening programs may thus be necessary to guarantee maximum uptake among prisoners. Lessons Tailoring the organised CRC screening program to the prison-setting may increase adherence and ensure standardised coverage of the target population, eliminating disparity in the CRC screening service, and hopefully others in the future. Key messages Tailoring an organised CRC screening program to the prison-setting may increase adherence and ensure standardised coverage of the target population, eliminating disparity in the CRC screening service Organised screening programs could achieve extensive coverage and enhance equity of access in this hard-to-reach fragile population.



Author(s):  
Florence M. F. Wong

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective for early detection of CRC, particularly for males aged 50 or above. However, the rate of participation in the screening program is still low. This study was to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward CRC and its screening and explored their associated factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of adults aged 50–75 years without cognitive problems, who were recruited at multi-elderly centers in Hong Kong. A questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) towards CRC and its screening. Results: The total of 300 Chinese people included 147 (49.0%) males with a mean age of 58.72 (SD 6.91) years old. This study population had good knowledge and practice, as well as very good attitudes toward CRC and its screening. The multivariate regression results showed that receiving insurance coverage was the most significant factor positively associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practice. Other than this, lower educational level had significant negative association with knowledge and practice. Having self-sufficient financial support and receiving screening program information had positive associations with knowledge. Conclusion: People who are receiving insurance coverage have better KAP towards CRC and its screening. This indicates that they can receive adequate information about the screening procedure from their insurance agents and receive financial support under their insurance coverage. Therefore, they are more willing to participate in the screening program. Other factors, including having good self-sufficient financial support and receiving adequate information about CRC and its screening, significantly enhance knowledge. Based on the relationships among KAP, knowledge enhancement can improve attitude and practice in participating in the CRC screening program. Those who attained lower education should receive more attention. In this sense, adequate financial support from health insurance or subsidies from the government can increase an individual’s willingness to participate in the CRC screening, particularly those at a low socioeconomic level. Educational programs should be promoted to enhance knowledge about CRC and its screening, especially to those who attained lower education levels.



2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
José Luis Sandoval ◽  
Allan Relecom ◽  
Cyril Ducros ◽  
Jean-Luc Bulliard ◽  
Beatrice Arzel ◽  
...  

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Fecal blood testing is a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and is preferred by a substantial proportion of individuals. However, participant-related determinants of the choice of screening method, particularly up-to-date screening status, remain less studied. We aimed to determine if up-to-date screening status was related to choosing a fecal blood test over colonoscopy. <b><i>Setting:</i></b> Participants in the population-based cross-sectional survey study Bus Santé in Geneva, Switzerland – aged 50–69 years. <b><i>Design:</i></b> Cross-sectional survey study using mailed questionnaires inquiring about CRC screening method of choice after providing information on advantages and disadvantages of both screening methods. We used multivariable logistic regression models to determine the association between up-to-date CRC screening status and choosing fecal blood testing. <b><i>Key results:</i></b> We included 1,227 participants. Thirty-eight percent of participants did not have up-to-date CRC screening. Overall, colonoscopy (54.9%) was preferred to fecal blood testing (45.1%) (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) as screening method of choice. However, screening method choices differed between those with (65.6% colonoscopy and 34.4% fecal blood testing) and without up-to-date CRC screening (36.5% colonoscopy and 63.5% fecal blood testing). Not having up-to-date CRC screening was associated with a higher probability of choosing fecal blood testing as screening method (odds ratio = 2.6 [1.9; 3.7], <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001) after adjustment for the aforementioned confounders. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Not having up-to-date screening was independently associated with fecal blood testing as the preferred method for CRC screening. Proposing this method to this subpopulation, in a context of shared decision, could potentially increase screening uptake in settings where it is already high.



2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Thompson ◽  
J Ng ◽  
B Armstrong ◽  
E Feletto ◽  
T Ha

Abstract Background The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBSCP) is a free population-based screening program which aims to identify precancerous lesions and early colorectal cancer (CRC) using an immunochemical faecal occult blood test in average risk Australians. Formally commencing in 2006, NBCSP participation rate in eligible 50-74-year-old people was 42% in 2018. The barriers and facilitators of participation in the NBCSP have been explored for the general, at-risk population but not in a population of CRC patients. This is the first study to assess a population of CRC patients, post diagnosis, who would have been eligible for CRC screening to determine the barriers and facilitators to screening. Methods A cross sectional study nested within a cohort study. Data from CRC patients who participated in the 45 and Up Study; the largest cohort study in Australia and southern hemisphere, were analysed to compare those who had and had not participated in CRC screening. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using RStudio (version 3.5.2, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.). Multiple Imputation (MI), was used to handle missing values assumed to be missing at random. Results A total of 339 CRC patients were included. Patients who were female, overweight (≥25kg/m2), consumed less than the recommended five servings of vegetables per day, consumed less than or equal to fourteen standard drinks per week (compared to non-drinkers) or did not meet physical activity guidelines were significantly less likely to have participated in screening. Conclusions Our study has taken a unique approach to identifying a high-risk group by exploring factors to screening participation in CRC patients. CRC patients with less healthy lifestyles were less likely to participate in screening. In contrast to previous studies, female patients were less likely to participate in screening than males were. This was an unexpected finding and should be replicated. Key messages Not surprising that those with less healthy lifestyle practices also reflected less than ideal screening practices. Surprising that female patients participated less in screening than males. Future interventions to improve CRC screening participation rates should consider specialised messaging for average-risk females who are overweight not meeting dietary or physical activity guidelines.



Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1129
Author(s):  
Audrius Dulskas ◽  
Tomas Poskus ◽  
Inga Kildusiene ◽  
Ausvydas Patasius ◽  
Rokas Stulpinas ◽  
...  

We aimed to report the results of the implementation of the National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Program covering all the country. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) reimburses the institutions for performing each service; each procedure within the program has its own administrative code. Information about services provided within the program was retrieved from the database of NHIF starting from the 1 January 2014 to the 31 December 2018. Exact date and type of all provided services, test results, date and results of biopsy and histopathological examination were extracted together with the vital status at the end of follow-up, date of death and date of emigration when applicable for all men and women born between 1935 and 1968. Results were compared with the guidelines of the European Union for quality assurance in CRC screening and diagnosis. The screening uptake was 49.5% (754,061 patients) during study period. Participation rate varied from 16% to 18.1% per year and was higher among women than among men. Proportion of test-positive and test-negative results was similar during all the study period—8.7% and 91.3% annually. Between 9.2% and 13.5% of test-positive patients received a biopsy of which 52.3–61.8% were positive for colorectal adenoma and 4.6–7.3% for colorectal carcinoma. CRC detection rate among test-positive individuals varied between 0.93% and 1.28%. The colorectal cancer screening program in Lithuania coverage must be improved. A screening database is needed to systematically evaluate the impact and performance of the national CRC screening program and quality assurance within the program.



Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document