EVALUATION OF COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN A CITY IN 2015-2018

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates and CRC screening results which were done in 2015-2018 in a city. Method: The results of Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) which were performed to individuals aged between 50-70 who applied to Family Health Centers (FHC) and Cancer Early Diagnosis and Screening Center (CEDSC) in 2015-2018 were evaluated. The data were obtained from the Public Health Information System (PHIS) and Public Health Management System (PHMS) by the researcher retrospectively. Approval of the Ethics committee and the relevant public institution were obtained. Descriptive statistical methods were used to evaluate the data. Results: In our province, it was determined that the target population was scanned for 8.7% in 2015, for 7.1% in 2016, for 5.6% in 2017 and for 10.5% in 2018. FOBT positivity rates were 11.3% for 2015, 8.4% for 2016, 7.9% for 2017 and 6.8% for 2018. In all of the years, the application number of women for screening and FOBT positivity rates were higher than the men. Conclusion: The rate of achieving the target population in CRC screening was far below the 70% target for community-based cancer screening. In order to reach the target for screening, it is considered that not only the efforts of Community Health Centers (CHCs) and CEDSCs are enough but also Family Physicians should take a more active role in cancer screening in the target populations registered to them.