Abnormal Fecal Occult Blood Test Research Articles

S252 Screening With FIT-DNA: Impact on Colonoscopy Withdrawal Time, Adenoma Detection and Endoscopist’s Recommendation for Follow-Up

Introduction: Limited data exist on colonoscopy after abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-DNA (a.k.a. multitarget stool DNA test). We hypothesized that endoscopists perform a more careful exam (e.g., longer withdrawal time (WT)) and recommend early re-screening after FIT-DNA+/negative colonoscopy due to expectations about test performance. We aimed to A) determine adenoma detection rate (ADR) and other lesion detection rates and B) assess endoscopist behavior regarding WT and recommendations after negative colonoscopy for 3 indications: 1) FIT-DNA+, 2) average-risk screening (SCR) and 3) abnormal fecal occult blood test (FOBT+, guaiac or FIT). Methods: Using GIQuIC data (2019-2022) from 727 endoscopy units, we identified patients aged 50-75 years undergoing colonoscopy for FIT-DNA+, SCR or FOBT+. We excluded colonoscopy with any other indications (e.g., family history), inadequate bowel preparation or incomplete exam. If pathology was obtained but results were not available, the record was excluded from pathology-related outcomes. Generalized estimating equations clustered by endoscopist were used to assess the association between indication and outcomes while adjusting for patient characteristics and endoscopist's screening ADR. Results: >1.8 million colonoscopies were included; demographics varied by indication (Table). FIT-DNA+ was associated with higher ADR (59.6%) than SCR (39.3%, p< 0.0001) and FOBT+ (53.8%, p< .0001) and greater detection of advanced neoplasia and sessile serrated lesions (Table). Among those with no pathology obtained on colonoscopy, WT was longer for FIT-DNA+ than for SCR and FOBT+. Among patients aged 50-65 years with no pathology and ASA < IV, a 10-year colonoscopy was recommended in only 80.1% of FIT-DNA+ patients vs. 87.2% of SCR and 86.5% of FOBT+. In multivariable models, compared to FIT-DNA+, SCR and FOBT+ are associated with shorter WT (p< 0.0001 for both), and lower odds of adenoma detection (OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.47-0.50) and 0.71 (0.68-0.74), respectively) and recommendations for re-screening in < 10 years (OR 0.64 (0.57-0.72) and 0.84 (0.74-0.96), respectively). Conclusion: FIT-DNA+ is associated with greater neoplasia detection than FOBT+ and SCR, but also with longer WT and more recommendations for early re-screening after a negative colonoscopy. Despite lower specificity of FIT-DNA vs. FOBT, endoscopists seem to have greater concern for missed pathology in FIT-DNA+/negative colonoscopies, leading to downstream impacts on healthcare utilization. Table 1. - Colonoscopy for Abnormal FIT-DNA vs. Average Risk Screening vs. Abnormal FOBT:Patient Characteristics, Findings and Follow-Up Recommendations After a Negative Exam FIT-DNA+(n=23,046) Average Risk Screening(n=1,760,840) FOBT+(n=26,455) Age, mean (sd) 64.2 (7.1) 58.7 (7.2) 63.8 (7.2) Male (%)Female (%) 9,939 (43.1)13,107 (56.9) 816,630 (46.4)944,210 (53.6) 12,698 (48.0)13,757 (52.0) White (%)Black of African American (%)Asian (%)Other (%)Unknown/Declined (%) 15,777 (68.5)1085 (4.7)211 (0.9)514 (2.2)5459 (23.7) 1,022,859 (58.1)171,348 (9.7)56,644 (3.2)68,966 (3.9)441,033 (25.1) 16,387 (61.9)2112 (8.0)959 (3.6)1224 (4.6)5773 (21.8) Non-Hispanic (%)Hispanic/Latino (%)Unknown/Decline 14,234 (61.8)560 (2.4)8252 (35.8) 1,018,724 (57.9)107,147 (6.1)634,969 (36.1) 16,691 (63.1)2407 (9.1)7357 (27.8) Total endoscopists contributing colonoscopies 2650 4845 3223 Endoscopist mean ADR‡(sd) with minimum 50 colonoscopies 39.1% (10.2)(Endoscopist n=2467) 39.2% (10.9)(Endoscopist n=3878) 39.5% (10.6)(Endoscopist n=3006) Colonoscopy Findings Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) 59.6% *,§ 39.3% § 53.8% ADR for Males 67.6% *,§ 46.4% § 61.0% ADR for Females 53.6% *,§ 33.2% § 47.2% Advanced Neoplasia Detection± 22.2% *,§ 7.6% § 17.4% Sessile Serrated Lesion Detection 16.2% *,§ 8.2% † 8.8% Adenocarcinoma Detection 1.5% * 0.3% § 1.4% Analysis of Subgroup with No Polyps on Colonoscopy (i.e., No Pathology Obtained) Median Withdrawal Time, Minutes (interquartile range) (n=4211)8.5 (6.9-11.0) *,§ (n=673,519)7.8 (6.4-9.9) (n=7455)7.8 (6.3-10.1) Next Recommended Colonoscopy (limited to age 50-65, ASA< IV, exclude other or none)< 10 Years (%)10 Years (%) (n=2125)422 (19.9)1703 (80.1) (n=567,568)72,403 (12.8)495,165 (87.2) (n=4301)579 (13.5)3722 (86.5) Next Recommended Colonoscopy (limited to age 50-65, ASA< IV, exclude other or none)≤3 Years (%)4 or 5 Years (%)6-9 Years (%)10 Years (%)Excluded intervals n:OtherNone (n=2125)*,§ 76 (3.6)333 (15.7)13 (0.6)1703 (80.1) 1518 (n=567,568)§ 3840 (0.7)65,289 (11.5)3274 (0.6)495,165 (87.2) 2335974 (n=4301)65 (1.5)478 (11.1)36 (0.8)3722 (86.5) 2919 ‡ADR includes average risk screening only, ages 50-75, photodocumentation of the cecum, adequate bowel preparation.*p<0.0001 compared with average risk screening.§p<0.0001 compared with FOBT+.†p=0.0002 compared with FOBT+. ± Includes either 1) adenoma≥10 mm, with high grade dysplasia, or with villous component; OR 2) sessile serrated polyp (SSP)≥10 mm, SSP with dysplasia, or traditional serrated adenoma; OR 3) adenocarcinoma.

Low Referral Rates for Genetic Assessment of Patients With Multiple Adenomas in United Kingdom Bowel Cancer Screening Programs

Approximately 1 in 20 cases of colorectal cancer are caused by monogenic syndromes. Published guidelines recommend that patients with 10 or more adenomas be referred for genetic testing, based on evidence that colorectal cancer risk is associated with adenoma multiplicity. The aim of this study was to determine adherence to guidelines on referral for genetic screening in patients with 10 or more adenomas. A cross-sectional study was performed of prospectively collected data from the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme between May 2007 and June 2018. Only histologically confirmed adenomas were included. Clinicopathological data were recorded from patient records, and referrals to clinical genetics services were ascertained. Data were obtained from 3 centers in London, United Kingdom. A total of 17,450 subjects underwent colonoscopy following an abnormal fecal occult blood test. We quantified patients with 10 or more adenomas and the proportion referred for genetic screening. The adenoma detection rate was 50.6% among 17,450 patients who underwent colonoscopy (8831 had 1 or more adenomas). Three hundred forty-seven patients (2.0%) had 10 or more adenomas. Patients with 10 or more adenomas were more likely to be male than those with fewer than 10 adenomas (76.9% vs 53.4%; p < 0.0001). A family history was collected in 37.8% of the multiple adenoma population. Of 347 patients with 10 or more adenomas, 28 (8.1%) were referred for genetic assessment. All 3 screening centers were in a single city. No genetic outcome data were available to permit analysis of actual rates of inherited cancer syndromes in this population. In this study, almost 1 in 50 patients had 10 or more adenomas. Despite guidelines advising genetic testing in this group, referral rates are low. A referral pathway and management strategies should be established to address this patient population. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B630. ANTECEDENTES:Aproximadamente uno de cada veinte casos de cáncer colorrectal son causados por síndromes monogénicos. Las pautas publicadas recomiendan que los pacientes con diez o más adenomas sean derivados para pruebas genéticas, basándose en la evidencia de que el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal está asociado con la multiplicidad de adenomas.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la adherencia a las guías de derivación para cribado genético en pacientes con diez o más adenomas.DISEÑO:Se realizó un estudio transversal de datos recolectados prospectivamente del Programa de Detección de Cáncer de Intestino del Reino Unido entre mayo de 2007 y junio de 2018. Solo se incluyeron los adenomas confirmados histológicamente. Los datos clínico-patológicos se registraron a partir de los registros de los pacientes y se determinaron las derivaciones a los servicios de genética clínica.AJUSTE ENTORNO CLINICO:Los datos se obtuvieron de tres centros en Londres, Reino Unido.PACIENTES:Un total de 17.450 17450 sujetos pacientes se sometieron a una colonoscopia después de una prueba de sangre oculta en heces anormal positiva.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO VOLARACION:cuantificamos los pacientes con diez o más adenomas y la proporción remitida para cribado genético.RESULTADOS:La tasa de detección de adenomas fue del 50,6% entre 17.450 17450 pacientes que se sometieron a colonoscopia (8.831 8831 tenían uno o más adenomas). 347 pacientes (2,0%) tenían 10 o más adenomas. Los pacientes con 10 o más adenomas tenían más probabilidades de ser hombres que aquellos con menos de 10 adenomas (76,9% frente versus a 53,4%; p <0,0001). Se recogieron antecedentes familiares en el 37,8% de la población de adenomas múltiples. De 347 pacientes con 10 o más adenomas, 28 (8,1%) fueron remitidos para evaluación genética.LIMITACIONES:Los tres centros de detección se encontraban en una sola ciudad. No se disponía de datos de resultados genéticos que permitieran el análisis de las tasas reales de síndromes de cáncer hereditario en esta población.CONCLUSIONES:En este estudio, casi uno de cada cincuenta pacientes tenía diez o más adenomas. A pesar de las pautas que recomiendan las pruebas genéticas en este grupo, las tasas de derivación son bajas. Se debe establecer una vía de derivación y estrategias de manejo para abordar esta población de pacientes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B630.

Time to Colonoscopy After Abnormal Stool-Based Screening and Risk for Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality

The optimal time interval for diagnostic colonoscopy completion after an abnormal stool-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test is uncertain. We examined the association between time to colonoscopy and CRC outcomes among individuals who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy after abnormal stool-based screening. We performed a retrospective cohort study of veterans age 50 to 75 years with an abnormal fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) between 1999 and 2010. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards to generate CRC-specific incidence and mortality hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for 3-month colonoscopy intervals, with 1 to 3 months as the reference group. Association of time to colonoscopy with late-stage CRC diagnosis was also examined. Our cohort included 204,733 patients. Mean age was 61 years (SD 6.9). Compared with patients who received a colonoscopy at 1 to 3 months, there was an increased CRC risk for patients who received a colonoscopy at 13 to 15 months (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00-1.27), 16 to 18 months (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.10-1.43), 19 to 21 months (HR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.48), and 22 to 24 months (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07-1.47). Compared with patients who received a colonoscopy at 1 to 3 months, mortality risk was higher in groups who received a colonoscopy at 19 to 21 months (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.51-1.99) and 22 to 24 months (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.03-1.88). Odds for late-stage CRC increased at 16 months. Increased time to colonoscopy is associated with higher risk of CRC incidence, death, and late-stage CRC after abnormal FIT/FOBT. Interventions to improve CRC outcomes should emphasize diagnostic follow-up within 1 year of an abnormal FIT/FOBT result.

Preferences for different diagnostic modalities to follow up abnormal colorectal cancer screening results: a hypothetical vignette study

ObjectivesIn England, a significant proportion of people who take part in the national bowel cancer screening programme (BCSP) and have a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBt) result, do not...

Patient factors associated with non-attendance at colonoscopy after a positive screening faecal occult blood test.

Background Screening participants with abnormal faecal occult blood test results who do not attend further testing are at high risk of colorectal cancer, yet little is known about their reasons for non-attendance. Methods We conducted a medical record review of 170 patients from two English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme centres who had abnormal guaiac faecal occult blood test screening tests between November 2011 and April 2013 but did not undergo colonoscopy. Using information from patient records, we coded and categorized reasons for non-attendance. Results Of the 170 patients, 82 were eligible for review, of whom 66 had at least one recorded reason for lack of colonoscopy follow-up. Reasons fell into seven main categories: (i) other commitments, (ii) unwillingness to have the test, (iii) a feeling that the faecal occult blood test result was a false positive, (iv) another health issue taking priority, (v) failing to complete bowel preparation, (vi) practical barriers (e.g. lack of transport), and (vii) having had or planning colonoscopy elsewhere. The most common single reasons were unwillingness to have a colonoscopy and being away. Conclusions We identify a range of apparent reasons for colonoscopy non-attendance after a positive faecal occult blood test screening. Education regarding the interpretation of guaiac faecal occult blood test findings, offer of alternative confirmatory test options, and flexibility in the timing or location of subsequent testing might decrease non-attendance of diagnostic testing following positive faecal occult blood test.

Patients' experience of colonoscopy in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.

Understanding patients' experience of screening programs is crucial for service improvement. The English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) aims to achieve this by sending out questionnaires to all patients who undergo a colonoscopy following an abnormal fecal occult blood test result. This study used the questionnaire data to report the experiences of these patients. Data on patients who underwent colonoscopy between 2011 and 2012 were extracted from the BCSP database. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize key questionnaire items relating to informed choice, psychological wellbeing, physical experience, and after-effects. Multilevel logistic regression was used to test for associations with variables of interest: sex, age, socioeconomic status, colonoscopy results, and screening center performance (adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation rate, proportion of colonoscopies involving sedation). Data from 50,858 patients (79.3 % of those eligible) were analyzed. A majority reported a positive experience on items relating to informed choice (e. g. 95.7 % felt they understood the risks) and psychological wellbeing (e. g. 98.3 % felt they were treated with respect). However, an appreciable proportion experienced unexpected test discomfort (21.0 %) or pain at home (14.8 %). There were few notable demographic differences, although women were more likely than men to experience unexpected discomfort (25.1 % vs. 18.0 %; P < 0.01) and pain at home (18.2 % vs. 12.3 %; P < 0.01). No associations with center-level variables were apparent. Colonoscopy experience was generally positive, suggesting high satisfaction with the BCSP. Reported pain and unexpected discomfort were more negative than most other outcomes (particularly for women); measures to improve this should be considered.

PTU-042 Post polypectomy bleeding (PPB) in the english nhs bowel cancer screening programme (NHSBCSP)

Introduction Colonoscopies in the English NHSBCSP are offered to 60–74 year olds with an abnormal Faecal Occult Blood Test. Polypectomy breaks the adenoma-carcinoma sequence but carries a risk of adverse events such as Post Polypectomy Bleeding (PPB). The NHSBCSP has a longstanding robust mechanism for capturing and reviewing adverse events. Adverse Events are graded by severity using the NHSBCSP framework, based on the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy grading system. 1,2 We aimed to (1) determine the rate of PPB, broken down by severity grading, in one region of the NHSBCSP and (2) describe PPB management and outcomes. Method This prospectively collected observational case series identified patients with PPB at 5 Bowel Cancer Screening Centres within the North East Region of the English NHSBCSP from the 06/12/2010 to 15/07/2014. Patient co-morbidity, use of anticoagulation, polyp location, morphology, size, polypectomy method, time to presentation, subsequent patient management and outcome were all recorded. PPB was graded as major, intermediate or minor as per the NHSBCSP grading system. Results From a total population of 4,191,507, 15,285 colonoscopies were subsequently performed on 11,564 patients leading to 23,766 polypectomies. 68 colonoscopies with PPB were identified; a PPB rate of 0.44% per colonoscopy and 0.29% per polypectomy. 2.9% of cases were major due to need for surgery or admission to the Intensive Care Unit for > 1 night; median time to presentation was 3.5 days (range 1–6 days), median hospital stay was 3 days (range 2–4 days). 41.2% of cases were intermediate, the majority due to need for repeat endoscopy or in patient admission > 4 nights; median time to presentation was 5 days (range 0–19 days), median hospital stay was 2 days (range 0–6 days). Overall, 8.8% of patients presented with symptoms or signs of haemodynamic compromise. 19.1% of patients required intravascular resuscitation with intravenous fluids and/or Red Blood Cells. Repeat endoscopy was performed in 27.9% with repeat endoscopic therapy in 10.3%. Surgery was performed in 1.47% of cases. 1.47% of patients required a second admission and were managed radiologically. Conclusion We believe this detailed, robustly collected and prospectively categorised dataset gives a true reflection of PPB rate among experienced colonoscopists. A PPB rate of 0.44% is therefore excellent when compared with other similar series. 2.9% of PPB cases were major, 41.2% were intermediate and 55.9% were minor; therefore clinically significant bleeding occurred in only 44.1% of cases. Disclosure of interest None Declared. References Chilton A, Rutter M. NHS BCSP Publ . No 6, 2011 Cotton PB, et al . Gastrointest Endosc. 2010;71:446–54

PMO-212 Patients with positive faecal occult blood test (FOBt) following previous low risk colonoscopy in the bowel cancer screening programme: should current approach be changed?

IntroductionIn the UK FOBt Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP), patients between 60 and 75 are invited to submit stool specimens 2 yearly. Those who have either two weakly positive (+ve)...

Using a Multifaceted Approach to Improve the Follow-Up of Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test Results

Inadequate follow-up of abnormal fecal occult blood test (FOBT) results occurs in several types of practice settings. Our institution implemented multifaceted quality improvement (QI) activities in 2004-2005 to improve follow-up of FOBT-positive results. Activities addressed precolonoscopy referral processes and system-level factors such as electronic communication, provider education, and feedback. We evaluated their effects on timeliness and appropriateness of positive-FOBT follow-up and identified factors that affect colonoscopy performance. Retrospective electronic medical record review was used to determine outcomes before and after QI activities in a multispecialty ambulatory clinic of a tertiary care Veterans Affairs facility and its affiliated satellite clinics. From 1869 FOBT-positive cases, 800 were randomly selected from time periods before and after QI activities. Two reviewers used a pretested standardized data collection form to determine whether colonoscopy was appropriate or indicated based on predetermined criteria and if so, the timeliness of colonoscopy referral and performance before and after QI activities. In cases where a colonoscopy was indicated, the proportion of patients who received a timely colonoscopy referral and performance were significantly higher post-implementation (60.5% vs. 31.7%, P<0.0001 and 11.4% vs. 3.4%, P=0.0005). A significant decrease also resulted in median times to referral and performance (6 vs. 19 days, P<0.0001 and 96.5 vs. 190 days, P<0.0001) and in the proportion of positive-FOBT test results that had received no follow-up by the time of chart review (24.3% vs. 35.9%, P=0.0045). Significant predictors of absence of the performance of an indicated colonoscopy included performance of a non-colonoscopy procedure such as barium enema or flexible sigmoidoscopy (OR=16.9; 95% CI, 1.9-145.1), patient non-adherence (OR=33.9; 95% CI, 17.3-66.6), not providing an appropriate provisional diagnosis on the consultation (OR=17.9; 95% CI, 11.3-28.1), and gastroenterology service not rescheduling colonoscopies after an initial cancellation (OR=11.0; 95% CI, 5.1-23.7). Multifaceted QI activities improved rates of timely colonoscopy referral and performance in an electronic medical record system. However, colonoscopy was not indicated in over one third of patients with positive FOBTs, raising concerns about current screening practices and the appropriate denominator used for performance measurement standards related to colon cancer screening.

Illness representations and coping following an abnormal colorectal cancer screening result

Receipt of an abnormal screening test result is likely to activate an illness representation that guides emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses. The study investigates relationships between illness representations specified by self-regulation theory, and coping responses in people receiving abnormal faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening results during the UK colorectal cancer screening pilot. After completion of all clinical investigations and treatment, men and women diagnosed with invasive cancer ( N = 196), adenoma ( N = 208), or no neoplasia ( N = 293) completed measures of illness representations, coping and state anxiety. Gender, socioeconomic status and diagnosis explained significant variance in different coping strategies while illness representations contributed between 5% and 21% additional explained variance. While identity, causal attributions and emotional representations explained variance in the use of avoidance and distancing, perceived personal control was important in explaining efforts to make health behavioural changes following an abnormal result. Relatively more use of escape-avoidance coping following a first abnormal screen was significantly associated with non-participation in screening 2 years later.

Factors associated with intentions to adhere to colorectal cancer screening follow-up exams

BackgroundTo increase adherence rate to recommendations for follow-up after abnormal colorectal cancer (CRC) screening results, factors that inhibit and facilitate follow-up must be identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with intention to adhere to CRC screening follow-up exams.MethodsDuring a 4-week period in October 2003, this survey was conducted with 426 subjects participating in a community-based CRC screening program in Nagano, Japan. Study measures included intention to adhere to recommendation for clinical follow-up in the event of an abnormal fecal occult blood test (FOBT) result, perceived susceptibility and severity of CRC, perceived benefits and barriers related to undergoing follow-up examination, social support, knowledge of CRC risk factors, health status, previous CRC screening, personality and social demographic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses on intention to adhere to recommendations for follow-up were performed.ResultsAmong the 288 individuals analyzed, approximately 74.7% indicated that they would definitely adhere to recommendations for follow-up. After controlling for age, gender, marital status, education, economic status, trait anxiety, bowel symptoms, family history of CRC, and previous screening FOBT, analyses revealed that lower levels of perceived barriers, higher levers of perceived benefits and knowledge of CRC risk factors were significantly associated with high intention respectively.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that future interventions should focus on reducing modifiable barriers by clarifying misperceptions about follow-up, promoting the acceptance of complete diagnostic evaluations, addressing psychological distress, and making follow-up testing more convenient and accessible. Moreover, educating the public regarding the risk factors of CRC and increasing understanding of the benefits of follow-up is also important.

Adequacy of follow-up after an abnormal fecal occult blood test (FOBT) result

6035 Background: Annual fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is the only colon cancer screening shown to reduce colon cancer incidence and mortality in randomized controlled trials. The true benefits of screening are only realized when total colon examination (TCE) is performed as follow-up to an abnormal screening result. Methods: We used the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Cancer Control Supplement, a nationally representative sample of households, to examine follow-up after abnormal FOBT and the content of this follow-up. Persons who reported undergoing an FOBT were the population of interest. Reasons for FOBT, results of test, and follow-up after an abnormal FOBT were examined. Inadequate follow-up after a positive FOBT included no follow-up or another FOBT. TCE was defined as sigmoidoscopy with double contrast barium enema (DCBE) or colonoscopy. We used SUDAAN to obtain population estimates. Results: We included 4,908 respondents who indicated they had undergone FOBT (79.8% as part of the routine physical examination, 14.7% for a specific problem, 2.0% as follow-up of a previous abnormal test/screening examine, 1.4% family history). Overall, 5.7% of respondents reported an abnormal test, varying by reason for test (3.5% for screening and 16.9% for those who had FOBT done for a specific problem). For those reporting an abnormal FOBT during screening, 62.9% had some follow-up diagnostic procedures. Fifty-three percent reported having a TCE as defined above. Forty-seven percent either had no further evaluation, another FOBT or incomplete colon examination with sigmoidoscopy alone, and DCBE only or a surgical evaluation. Those who had FOBT completed for a specific problem had more surgical evaluations (18.4%) and fewer TCEs (44.3%). Conclusions: Among a nationally-representative sample of adults who reported FOBT as a screening test for colorectal cancer, close to 63% had some type of follow-up. Only 53% of those with a positive screening FOBT had a TCE. These results suggest that the full potential of CRC screening is not being realized, and point to the need to improve follow-up of abnormal FOBT results. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A National Survey of Primary Care Physicians' Methods for Screening for Fecal Occult Blood

Screening with the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in randomized, controlled trials. Although the test is simple, implementation requires adherence to specific techniques of testing and follow-up of abnormal results. To examine how FOBT and follow-up are conducted in community practice across the United States. Cross-sectional national surveys of primary care physicians and the public. The Survey of Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices in Health Care Organizations and the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. 1147 primary care physicians who ordered or performed FOBT and 11 365 adults 50 years of age or older who responded to questions about FOBT use. Self-reported data on details of FOBT implementation and follow-up of positive results. Although screening guidelines recommend home tests, 32.5% (95% CI, 29.8% to 35.3%) of physicians used only the less accurate method of single-sample in-office testing; another 41.2% (CI, 38.3% to 44.0%) used both types of test. Follow-up of positive test results showed considerable nonadherence to guidelines, with 29.7% (CI, 27.1% to 32.4%) of physicians recommending repeating FOBT. Furthermore, sigmoidoscopy, rather than total colon examination, was commonly recommended to work up abnormal findings. Nearly one third of adults who reported having FOBT said they had only an in-office test, and nearly one third of those who reported abnormal FOBT results reported no follow-up diagnostic procedures. The study was based on self-reports. Data from the National Health Interview Survey may underestimate the prevalence of in-office testing and inadequate follow-up. Mortality reductions demonstrated with FOBT in clinical trials may not be realized in community practice because of the common use of in-office tests and inappropriate follow-up of positive results. Education of providers and system-level interventions are needed to improve the quality of screening implementation.

Screening for colorectal neoplasia: physicians' adherence to complete diagnostic evaluation.

This prospective study was done in a health maintenance organization colorectal cancer screening program to determine whether 166 persons found to have abnormal fecal occult blood test results typically underwent complete diagnostic evaluation (i.e., either colonoscopy or barium enema x-ray plus flexible sigmoidoscopy). Chart audit data show that 137 (82%) subjects contacted a physician to discuss follow-up. A complete diagnostic evaluation was recommended to only 52 (38%) patients who talked with a physician. Forty-two (81%) patients who were advised to get a complete diagnostic evaluation actually complied. Significant differences in clinical findings were observed for patients who did and did not have a complete diagnostic evaluation.