Routine preventive care and cancer surveillance in long-term survivors (LTS) of colorectal cancer: Results from NSABP Protocol LTS-01

Abstract

6500 Background: Little is known about the use of routine preventive care and cancer surveillance in long-term colorectal cancer survivors. NSABP LTS-01 is a study that examines the use of such services in long-term colorectal cancer survivors previously treated in NSABP adjuvant trials. Methods: Long-term colorectal cancer survivors (≥ 5 years) were recruited from five completed NSABP treatment trials (Protocols C-05, C-06, C-07, R-02, R-03) at 65 study sites. A survey battery for long-term survivors of colorectal cancer (LTS-01) was developed. A 1:4 comparison cohort case-matched by age, gender, race, and education was created from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey. Contingency tables and multivariate models were used to compare cohorts and determine predictors of preventive care and cancer surveillance. Results: 649 LTS-01 patients (625 colon, 24 rectal) completed the interview; 57% male, mean age 66.1yr (SD 10.5), median survival 8 yrs. LTS-01 patients were more likely to have a usual source of healthcare than the NHIS cohort (98% vs. 93%, p < 0.0001). The number of ER visits in the previous 12 months was not significantly different between the two groups. LTS-01 patients were more likely to have received a flu shot in the past 12 months (68% vs. 42%, p < 0.0001) and were also more likely to have undergone cancer screening by Pap smear (67% vs. 54%, p < 0.001), mammogram (85% vs. 71%, p < 0.001), and PSA test (84% vs. 75%, p < 0.001). For CRC surveillance, 3% did not have a colonoscopy, 13% had not had a CEA test, and 34% did not have a CT scan in the last 5 years. The best predictor of the receipt of these cancer screening tests was the presence of health insurance (OR 2.6–4.5). No factor was uniformly associated with colorectal cancer surveillance. Conclusions: Long-term survivors of colorectal cancer achieve better routine preventive care including cancer screening than the general population. However in these stage II and stage III cancer patients cancer surveillance is variably performed. No significant financial relationships to disclose.