Recognition and Participation of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Turkey: Meta-analysis of Literature

Abstract

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies about the proportion of recognition of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy (CS) methods and participation to them in any period of life for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Turkey. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Turkey Citation Index and YOK Thesis Center databases were screened both in Turkish and English language to identify relevant studies and key words ’colorectal cancer’, ’colon cancer’, ’cancer screening’, ’information’, ’attitude’, ’behavior’, ’awareness’ and ’Turkey’ were. Criteria for inclusion in the analysis were; conducted in Turkey, original and cross-sectional, conducted CRC risky groups (having CRC in the first degree patients and 50 and above age), studies that give the number of participants and number of taking FOBT and CS screening in any period of their lives and/or the number of knowing them. The studies that met the criteria were read as double blind. The data were entered into the Open Meta Analyst demo program. Because of p < 0.001 in the heterogeneity test, random effects model was used in group analysis of the articles. The proportion and 95% confidence interval of knowing and taking FOBT and CS were calculated from the total number of cases. Results A total of 1176 articles were reached in first review. Duplications and inappropriated studies were eliminated, and 52 studies were selected. Eight studies about recognition FOBT, 16 about participation FOBT, 9 about recognition CS and 17 about participation CS were taken in analysis. After analysis it was found that 1315 of 4334 individuals (19.3%, 95%CI:6.6-32.1) recognized to FOBT, 1174 of 6825 individuals (13.2%, 8.0-18.5) participated to FOBT, 2197 of 5728 individuals (31.7%, 18.2-45.2) recognized to CS and 913 of 8860 individuals (10.0%, 8.1-12.0) participated to CS. Conclusions The proportion of recognition and participation to FOBT and CS were found less than expected. Key messages The proportion of recognition and participation CRC screening methods is low in risky groups. Awareness and participation of screening should be increased in risky groups.