OP0009 Assessment of a colorectal cancer screening programme using a faecal occult blood test kit in Penang state, Malaysia

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> The aim of this study was to assess a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme using a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit in Penang, Malaysia. <h3>Methods</h3> A total of 1000 FOBT kits were distributed between June and November, 2009, to attendees of CRC public health talks in Penang state. Data for demographics, knowledge of CRC, and awareness of stool testing were collected before the FOBT kits were issued to participants who did stool collection at home. Data for the use of the FOBT kits were collected when the FOBT kit was returned for stool analyses. Phone interviews were done with participants who either did not return the FOBT kits or got a positive result. All statistical analyses were done with PASW version 18. <h3>Findings</h3> A total of 617 participants took part in the study. The majority of the participants stated that the FOBT was easy to do. Very few (3.8%) encountered difficulties in doing the test. Of the 31 participants who had positive result, eight participants underwent colonoscopy. One case of CRC (anal cancer) was found; two cases of polyps; one case each of ulcerative colitis and haemorrhoids; and three normal. The level of awareness of stool examination and knowledge of CRC were poor among participants. Education and income per month were factors associated with both knowledge of CRC and the return of the FOBT kit. Family history was associated with knowledge of CRC; age group and ethnicity were associated with the return of FOBT kit. <h3>Interpretation</h3> In conclusion, CRC screening can be done in the community with a single FOBT kit. However, the return rate of the FOBT kit and rate of colonoscopy examination were 56.7% and 0.8%, respectively. Efforts must be made to increase colonoscopy examination rates to ensure success of a CRC screening programme.