S1158 Obese Patients (BMI > 30) More Likely to Benefit From Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening With Colonoscopy yet Less Likely to Comply: Results From a Statewide Program to Screen Underinsured Adults

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a risk for CRC; however, obese patients are less likely to be screened for cancers such as breast and cervical. There is little data regarding the compliance of obese patients and colonoscopic screening. We examined the influence of obesity on compliance with colonoscopy in a program to screen underinsured adults. Methods: Patients (50-64 yrs old) were evaluated by 9 community health centers in Connecticut to determine financial and medical eligibility for CRC screening; eligible patients were invited for a free colonoscopy. Data collected included age, gender, ethnicity, race, marital status, language, height, weight, education, contact information, employment status, family history of CRC, prior FOBT, medical illnesses and medications. Compliance with CRC screening was defined as patients completing colonoscopy. If the patients refused, canceled or did not show, they were considered non-compliant. We also examined whether obesity was associated with having an adenoma.Results: 424 patients (60.1% female, 23.6% White, 26.2% Black, 45.3% Hispanic) were evaluated; 70 were ineligible for medical reasons, leaving 354 eligible patients. Of these patients, 262 (74.0%) were compliant, and 71 compliant patients (27.0%) had adenomas. Predictors of compliance are in Table 1 and predictors of adenomas in Table 2.Conclusions: In an underserved population, with the financial barrier removed, obese patients were less likely to complete a colonoscopy. They were also more likely to have an adenoma. Obese patients may require special attention in CRC screening efforts. Table 1 Predictors of Compliance with Screening Colonoscopy (n= 354 pts )