Bowel Screening Research Articles

Why are most colorectal cancers diagnosed outside of screening? A retrospective analysis of data from the English bowel screening programme.

ObjectiveDespite several interventions to increase participation in England, most colorectal cancers (CRCs) are diagnosed outside of the screening programme. The aims of this study were to better understand why most CRCs are diagnosed externally, the extent to which this is due to suboptimal uptake of screening, and the extent to which it is due to other factors, such as false-negative test results.Setting / MethodsWe performed a clinical audit of 1011 patients diagnosed with CRC at St Mark's Hospital (Harrow, UK) between January 2017 and December 2020. Data on the diagnostic pathway and screening history of individuals were extracted from the bowel cancer screening system and assessed using descriptive statistics.Results446/1011 (44.1%) patients diagnosed with CRC were eligible for screening at the time of diagnosis. Of these, only 115/446 (25.8%) were diagnosed through screening. Among those diagnosed via non-screening pathways, 210/331 (63.4%) had never taken part in screening, 31/331 (9.4%) had taken part but were not up to date, and 89/331 (26.9%) had taken part and were up-to-date (of these, 82/89 [92.2%] had received a normal or weak positive test result, and 5/89 [5.6%] had received a positive result and declined colonoscopy).ConclusionNearly two-thirds of screening eligible patients diagnosed through a non-screening pathway had never taken part in screening. This represents the single largest source of inefficiency within the screening programme, followed by missed findings and inconsistent participation. Given the improved outcomes associated with screen-detected cancers, there is a strong public health mandate to encourage participation.

Modelling the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on bowel cancer screening outcomes in England: A decision analysis to prepare for future screening disruption

The English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme invites people between the ages of 60 and 74 to take a Faecal Immunochemical Test every two years. This programme was interrupted during the coronavirus pandemic. The research aimed: (1) to estimate the impact of colorectal cancer (CRC) Faecal Immunochemical Test screening pauses of different lengths and the actual coronavirus-related screening pause in England, and (2) to analyse the most effective and cost-effective strategies to re-start CRC screening to prepare for future disruptions.The analysis used the validated Microsimulation Model in Cancer of the Bowel built in the R programming language. The model simulated the life course of a representative English screening population from 2019, by age, sex, socio-economic deprivation, and prior screening history. The modelling scenarios were based on assumptions and data from screening centres in England.Pausing bowel screening in England due to coronavirus pandemic is predicted to increase CRC deaths by 0.73% within 10 years and 0.13% over the population's lifetime, with excess deaths due to peak in 2023. More deaths are expected in men and people aged over 70. Pausing screening for longer would result in greater additional CRC cases and deaths.Postponing screening for everyone would be the most cost-effective strategy to minimise the impact of screening disruption without any additional endoscopy capacity. If endoscopy capacity can be increased, temporarily raising the Faecal Immunochemical Test threshold to 190 μg/g may help to minimise CRC deaths, particularly if screening programmes start from age 50 in the future.

Using fecal immunochemical test values below conventional cut-off to individualize colorectal cancer screening.

Background and study aims Of the participants in the Danish screening program, 89.9 % to 92.5 % have fecal immunochemical test (FIT) values < 10 μg/g feces (equivalent to 50 ng hemoglobin/mL buffer). This study aimed to investigate the risk of interval colorectal cancer (CRC) in this group before the next biennial screening round. Patients and methods This cohort study included all citizens from the region of Southern Denmark who participated in the Danish bowel screening program from 2014 trough 2016 and had a FIT value < 10 μg/g feces. Individuals receiving a CRC diagnosis were identified through the national CRC registry, with a follow up of 2 years corresponding to the current screening interval. We also examined the 3-year CRC incidence. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results Data from 185,654 citizens presenting with a FIT value < 10 μg/g feces were eligible for analysis. Overall, interval CRC incidence was 0.07 % within 2 years with HRs of 4.16 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.67;6.48) and 5.8 (95 % CI 3.34;10.05) for FIT values of 4 to 6.9 μg/g feces and 7 to 9.9 μg/g feces, respectively, compared to those having a FIT value below the limit of quantification of 4 μg/g feces. After 3 years, the overall CRC incidence increased to 0.14 %; however, this was not significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates a positive correlation between FIT value and risk of interval cancer even for very low values. It further suggests that an increase in the screening interval could be reasonable in the low FIT categories.

Adenoma and serrated lesion detection with distal attachment in screening colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the single most important measure of quality in colonoscopy, but little is known about the detection rate of serrated lesions (SLDR). To improve ADR, Endocuff Vision (EV) can be used. Studies have shown differing results as to the effect on ADR; an effect on SLDR has not been shown. To investigate the effect of Endocuff Vision on ADR in a screening population, this randomized controlled open label trial with concealed allocation was performed. Randomization to trial group was carried out by the endoscopist using prepared numbered envelopes. Patients referred as part of the national bowel screening program at Regional Hospital Herning, Denmark were recruited and allocated to one of two groups: Endocuff Vision colonoscopy (EVC) and standard colonoscopy (SC). Outcomes were ADR, mean number, site, and size of lesions per procedure. SLDR as outcome was added after inclusion had begun. A total of 1178 participants were included, with 1166 (EVC 583 and SC 583) available for analysis. There was no clinical relevant difference in ADR (59.2% [CI 55.1; 63.1] v 60.5% [CI 56.5; 64.4]) or SLDR (13.0% [CI 10.5; 16.0] v 10.3% [CI 8.0; 13.0]) between groups. More serrated lesions were found per procedure (MSP) (0.2 v 0.1, IRR 57% [CI 17; 109]. Removal rate of EV was similar in the two study groups. We found no significant effects of the use of Endocuff Vision on ADR, when compared to standard colonoscopy, but more serrated lesions were detected in the Endocuff group. Clinical Trials NCT04651062.

Diagnostic variability in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal adenomas and early colorectal cancer in a screening population.

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver variability between individual pathologists and a panel of pathologists in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal neoplasms in the Dutch bowel cancer screening population.Methods and resultsHistological slides of adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia and early colorectal carcinomas (CRC) from 20 different laboratories were reviewed by the pathology panel of the Dutch bowel screening programme. Interobserver variability was reported by descriptive statistics. In addition, potential clinical consequences of discrepancies were evaluated. A total of 104 cases of adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia and 83 early CRCs were reviewed. Discrepancies were observed in 41 of 104 (39.4%) adenoma cases, which potentially had clinical consequences in 16 (15.4%) cases. For CRC, discrepancies were shown in 44 of 83 cases (53.0%) and would have potentially led to alternative treatment strategies in 25 (30.1%) cases. Most frequently, discrepancies were observed in the assessment of lymphovascular invasion (23 of 73 cases, 31.5%).ConclusionThis study showed that considerable interobserver variability is present in the histopathological assessment of advanced colorectal neoplasia, which may impact upon treatment choices. Additional stains and education, as well as intercollegial consultation, might decrease this variability.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Pictures in Cancer Screening Information: Content Analysis of UK Print Decision Support Materials

ABSTRACT This paper answers calls for further theoretical work into types of pictures used in health information. Pictures influence message reception, interpretation, and retention, making this an important area for research in health communication. A content analysis was used to produce a systematic and theory-orientated assessment of the use of pictures in cancer screening information materials (N = 44) produced for invitees to either cervical, breast or bowel screening in the United Kingdom. The main categories investigated in this study were function, content and style of the pictures. Pictures used in cancer screening information materials were twice as likely to be used to demonstrate what something looked like or depict a situation (display pictures) than to convey a specific cancer screening message (message pictures). The messages being conveyed were predominantly related to screening procedures (51%) or outcomes (38%) rather than screening experiences (6%) or decisions (9%). Pictures were rarely used to portray a narrative in the materials (n = 12). The paper brings conceptual clarity to the ways pictures can be, and have so far been used, to communicate cancer screening information. This study identifies that pictures conveying a cancer-related message, and pictures in the format of a narrative, should be used more often in print cancer screening communications.

Identifying modifiable features of home bowel cancer screening kits to facilitate use: consumer perspectives.

Despite the widely publicised health benefits of participation in bowel cancer screening, only 43.5% of recipients participate in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). Through consultation with kit recipients, this study aimed to identify features of home bowel screening kits that could be modified to increase their use. Participants (n = 25) were presented with nine different bowel cancer screening kits and asked to identify features of each kit that might prevent or promote their use. Responses were coded using content analysis, and a narrative synthesis is presented summarising preferences relating to each element of the kit. Six modifiable elements were identified: collection tool, collection sheet, specimen container, instruction, packaging and processes. Participant preferences were for collection devices that limited the users' proximity to faecal matter, smaller packaging, simpler processes and step-by-step pictorial instructions. Responses regarding aesthetics, the amount of information included and receiving immediate results were mixed. Findings provide several consumer-driven recommendations, which are to be tested in future research aimed at improving the acceptability and usability of kits distributed in population bowel cancer screening programs.

An overview of colorectal cancer in the Australian healthcare system over the past 20 years

Colorectal cancer (CRC) places a heavy burden on both the Australian health care system and the economy. CRC is the third most diagnosed cancer and carries the second highest cause of mortality. Prognosis has improved over recent years attributable to multiple factors including the introduction of a free national bowel screening program, improvements in medical and surgical treatment, and nationally funded subsidisation of some treatments. However, given Australia’s ageing population and that the incidence of CRC increases with age, this disease is likely to continue to place a heavy burden on the health economy. This paper provides an overview of the management of CRC in the context of the Australian health system over the past 20 years. It will consider the epidemiology of CRC, the various cancer registries that exist in Australia, the structure of the Australian healthcare system (mixed public and private) in which patients are treated, and finally the treatment options available to patients with either primary or metastatic CRC.

Faecal haemoglobin concentrations in women and men diagnosed with colorectal cancer in a national screening programme

ObjectiveThere is evidence that colorectal cancer screening using faecal haemoglobin is less effective in women than men. The faecal haemoglobin concentrations were therefore examined in women and men with screen-detected colorectal cancer.SettingScottish Bowel Screening Programme, following the introduction of a faecal immunochemical test from November 2017, to March 2020.MethodsData were collated on faecal haemoglobin concentrations, pathological stage and anatomical site of the main lesion in participants who had colorectal cancer detected. The data in women and men were compared.ResultsFor the faecal haemoglobin concentrations studied (>80 µg Hb/g faeces), the distributions indicated lower concentrations in women. Marked differences were found between women and men diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The median faecal haemoglobin concentration for women (n = 720) was 408 µg Hb/g faeces compared to 473 µg Hb/g faeces for men (n = 959) (p = 0.004) and 50.6% of the results were >400 µg Hb/g faeces in women; in men, this was 57.8%. The difference in faecal haemoglobin concentrations in women and men became less statistically significant as stage advanced from stages I–IV. For right-sided, left-sided and rectal colorectal cancer, a similar gender difference persisted in all sites. Differences in faecal haemoglobin between the genders were significant for left-sided cancers and stage I and approached significance for rectal cancers and stage II, but all sites and stages showed lower median faecal haemoglobin concentrations for women.ConclusionsTo minimise gender inequalities, faecal immunochemical test-based colorectal cancer screening programmes should evaluate a strategy of using different faecal haemoglobin concentration thresholds in women and men.

Financial incentives for bowel cancer screening: Results from a mixed methods study in the United Kingdom.

The purpose of bowel cancer screening is to test for signs of cancer before symptoms develop. Financial incentives are one potential method to increase participation rates. Few studies have tested incentives in relation to bowel screening in the United Kingdom (UK). The current research explored reactions to different financial incentives to participate in population-level bowel cancer screening in a UK sample. An online mixed methods study. Recruitment was via a study recruitment website (https://prolific.ac/). 499 participants (aged 60-74 years) completed a survey on invitations for population-level bowel cancer screening using different levels of financial incentives. Respondents were generally positive about the use of financial incentives. A £10 voucher was most frequently selected as the appropriate amount to incentivise screening participation. The current invitation method with no voucher was judged to be most acceptable but suggested to produce the lowest likelihood of others participating. Offering a £10 voucher that the NHS would not be charged for if not used was the second most acceptable invitation method. There were few differences between invitation methods on own perceived likelihood of participation in bowel screening. Offering a £10 voucher was seen as leading to the greatest likelihood of others participating in bowel screening. Findings were largely unaffected by participant demographics. The use of small financial incentives to increase bowel cancer screening uptake was generally well received. Impacts of incentives on actual bowel screening rates in UK samples need to be established in the light of the current findings.

The role of faecal calprotectin in the identification of colorectal neoplasia in patients attending for screening colonoscopy.

Although the relationship between colorectal neoplasia and inflammation is well described, the role of faecal calprotectin (FC) in clinical practice to diagnose or screen patients for colorectal neoplasia is less defined. This prospective study characterizes the relationship between FC and colorectal neoplasia in patients within the faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) positive patients in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. All FOBT positive patients attending for colonoscopy between February 2016 and July 2017 were invited to participate. Patients provided a stool sample for FC before commencing bowel preparation. All demographics and endoscopic findings were collected prospectively. In all, 352 patients were included. 210 patients had FC>50µg. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients had a higher median FC (138.5μg/g, P<0.05), in comparison to those without CRC, and 13/14had an FC>50µg/g (93%). FC had a high sensitivity (92.8%) and negative predictive value (99.3%) for CRC, but with a low specificity (41.7%) and positive predictive value (6.2%). FC sensitivity increased sequentially as neoplasms progressed from non-advanced to malignant neoplasia (48.6% non-advanced adenoma vs. 92.9% CRC). However, no significant relationship was observed between FC and non-cancer neoplasia. In an FOBT positive screening population, FC was strongly associated with CRC (sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 41.7% for CRC, at 50µg/g). However, although sensitive for the detection of CRC, FC failed to show sufficient sensitivity or specificity for the detection of non-cancer neoplasia. Based on these results we cannot recommend routine use of FC in a bowel screening population to detect cancer per se, but it is apparent that, with further optimization, faecal assessments including quantification of haemoglobin and inflammation could form part of a risk assessment tool aimed at refining the selection of patients for colonoscopy in both symptomatic and screening populations.

SP1.1.17The relationship between colorectal neoplasia and body composition in a bowel screening population

Abstract Aims Conflicting evidence exists as to the effect of elevated BMI in the development of colorectal neoplasia. Yet BMI is a crude measure of adiposity. The present study investigates the association between CT derived measures of body composition including sarcopenia, subcutaneous fat index (SFI) and visceral obesity and colorectal neoplasia. Methods 358 consecutive patients undergoing CT virtual colonoscopy (CTC) as part of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme were eligible for inclusion. Demographic data and the above measures body composition were calculated using previously published CT derived methods. Medical records were examined for colonoscopic findings and pathology reports. Results 121/358 (34%) were males. Median age 65. 126/358 (35%) patients were found to have a colorectal neoplasia. 84/126 (67%) had advanced neoplasia. 26/358 (7%) had adenocarcinoma. On multivariable analysis, both male sex and visceral obesity was associated with the presence of colorectal neoplasia, OR 2.62, [95% CI 1.51-4.55, p = 0.001] and OR 2.83, {95% CI 1.25-6.41, p = 0.01] respectively. The relationship was dose dependent with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia in the 3rd [OR 2.13 95% CI 1.09-4.14 p &amp;lt; 0.05] and 4th [OR 3.77 95% CI 1.96-7.26 p &amp;lt; 0.001] quartiles of visceral fat area. BMI, SFI and sarcopenia were not associated with colorectal neoplasia in the present study. Conclusions Male sex and in particular, visceral obesity is associated with increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. In addition to the known cardiovascular and metabolic dangers of visceral obesity, the present work suggests that visceral obesity may also play a role in colorectal neoplasia formation.

EP.TU.693A rare case of anal melanoma: An entity to be aware of

Abstract Aims Anal melanoma is a rare but aggressive malignancy representing a small percentage anorectal cancers. We report a rare case incidentally detected during bowel screening. Methods A 74-year-old female presented for endoscopy after a positive qFIT. She was asymptomatic. During endoscopy, perianal examination revealed a jet black naevus of approximately 3x3cm from 9 to 12’O clock position, overlying the perianal body, involving anal margin to the posterior vagina. General physical, abdominal and rectal examinations were unremarkable. During colonoscopy, a benign polyp was removed from the sigmoid colon. She underwent examination of rectum and vagina under general anaesthetic, and incisional biopsies were obtained. Histopathology confirmed an invasive, superficial spreading malignant melanoma, with a Breslow thickness of 1.5mm and Clark Level IV invasion. Staging CT scans did not reveal metastasis. Following loco-regional MDT discussion, a combined colorectal and plastic surgery was offered. She underwent wide local excision from the posterior vaginal fourchette to the anal canal, bilateral perforator flap reconstruction, and defunctioning sigmoid loop colostomy. Results There were no intraoperative complications. She recovered well post-operatively. After histopathology, her tumour was staged as pT2b, N0, M0. She did not require further treatment post-operatively as per MDTdiscussion. No disease recurrence has been detected yet with 30 months follow up, and she is awaiting reversal of colostomy. Conclusions Prognosis is generally poor in anal melanoma. This case report adds to the limited literature and emphasizs that despite no consensus on management, early detection and surgical resection offers the best chance for favorable outcomes.

TP1.2.4The incidence, implications and risk factors for extracolonic findings at CT colonography in a bowel screening population

Abstract Aim CT virtual colonoscopy (CTC) is increasingly relied upon in bowel screening programmes. Concern remains regarding the prevalence of incidental extra-colonic findings (ECF). The present study reports on the prevalence and implications of ECF as part of a UK bowel screening programme. Methods Reports for 400 consecutive CTCs carried out as part of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme were examined. Intra and extracolonic findings were recorded using the CT Colonography Reporting and Data System (C-RADS). Medical records pertaining to ECF follow-up were examined. Cost analysis was performed. Results 394 patients were included. 146 (37%) were males. Median age was 65 years, median follow-up was 72 months (Range 32-110). 92 (23%) patients had CTC as their primary investigation, 302 (77%) patients underwent CTC due to failed colonoscopy. Overall, 244/394 (62%) patients had ECF with only 45/394 (11%) found to have colonic pathology. 65/394 (16%) had moderately or highly significant ECF, (C-RADS E3-4). Of the 244 patients with ECF, 59 (24%) underwent further investigation, estimated cost £17,589. The majority, 37/59 (63%) were found to have benign disease after follow-up. Conclusion ECF at CTC are more frequent than colonic findings. The majority of ECF investigated are found to be benign yet a quarter of ECF are further investigated at a cost to the health service and the patient. Clinicians should be judicial when ordering and consenting patients with regards ECF and its implications if CTC is considered. Particularly when the test is part of a public funded and voluntary screening programme.

EP.WE.279Impact of COVID-19 on West of Scotland Colorectal Cancer Services

Abstract Aim The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven unprecedented restriction of the National Health Service to accommodate additional pressures. Our aim was to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the largest colorectal cancer (CRC) services in NHS Greater Glasgow &amp; Clyde. Method Audit data collected from multidisciplinary team meetings for South Glasgow CRC service were accessed. We compared April-June 2020 (‘Lockdown group’) to corresponding months in 2019 (‘Control group’). Statistical analysis by unpaired T-test, Pearson’s χ2 test with post hoc analysis using adjusted Z scores and Bonferroni correction. Results There was a 39.5% reduction in CRC diagnoses during lockdown (n = 49) compared to control (n = 81). There was a 34.1% reduction in CRC operations during lockdown (n = 27) compared to control (n = 52). The proportion of patients managed operatively did not differ between groups (p = 0.140). There was no difference in the number of days from diagnosis to first treatment between Lockdown and Control groups (Mean(SD): 40.1±35.3 and 43.2±42.9, p = 0.257). Primary care physicians were the main referral source for both lockdown (52%) and control groups (46%). The cessation of bowel screening programme saw no referrals in lockdown whereas it accounted for 21% of referrals in control group, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions We experienced dramatic reductions in CRC diagnoses during lockdown that was not only accounted for by the cessation of bowel screening. The diagnostic delay in the 39.5% ‘missed’ CRC patients may result in patient morbidity; a severe repercussion of COVID-19. The resurgence of COVID-19 cases poses a real threat to cancer services.

EP.FRI.368Impact of Covid 19 on Urgent Suspicion of GI Cancer Referral in a District General Hospital

Abstract Aim Endoscopy services across United Kingdom were affected significantly since March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Services were reduced and were more selective. We aim to compare the impact on duration between referral to colonoscopy and the detection rate of pathology between February (pre- Covid) and August (Covid-impacted) 2020. Methods Data was analysed from a prospectively maintained database of patients referred for colonoscopy to Royal Alexandra Hospital, Scotland. Patients underwent colonoscopy in month of February and August 2020 were included. Bowel screening patients were excluded. Positive findings included diverticulosis, colitis, polyp and adenocarcinoma. P value of &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results Total number of patients included was 97 (55 in February, 42 in August). Median age was 61 and 69 years respectively. Mean duration from referral to colonoscopy were 4 weeks in February and 7 weeks in August. qFIT test were found raised in 50.9% in February and 57.1% in August with positive findings of 47.3% in February and 66.7% in August. 46.4% in February and 16.7% in August had raised qFIT but normal findings (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Two high grade dysplasia polyps and two adenocarcinomas were identified in February, none found in August. Conclusion Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the endoscopic services prolonging the duration from referral to colonoscopy. qFIT test is more heavily relied to prioritise urgent colonoscopies resulting in more positive findings on colonoscopy. Cancer detection rate has reduced which is a consistent finding as the UK national endoscopy study. Massive efforts are needed to restore endoscopy services.

SP1.1.5Association between prior screening involvement and presentation and outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract Aims Population bowel cancer screening (BCS) is well established, however many patients still present acutely or with advanced disease. Within a cohort of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), this study aimed to analyse the relationship between prior engagement with the screening programme and mode of presentation, disease stage and survival. Methods All patients diagnosed with CRC from 2011-2014 in West of Scotland were identified from a regional database and linked into the Bowel Screening dataset for screening participation within two years preceding diagnosis. Results 6551 patients were diagnosed with CRC, 19% (n = 1217) through screening. 39% of patients were not invited for screening and 29% of patients did not respond to invite. Non-response to invite was associated with male sex, increasing age, socioeconomic deprivation, co-morbidity and smoking (all p &amp;lt; 0.001). 13% had previously returned negative screening tests. Negative screening was associated with female sex, anaemia, right sided, poorly differentiated and EMVI positive tumours, and screening with gFOBT versus FIT (all p ≤ 0.001). 2% did not undergo further investigation of a positive test, and &amp;lt;1% had a negative colonoscopy. Participation in screening was associated with reduced emergency presentations (8%vs22%), lower TNM Stage, and improved 3-year CSS (88%vs74%) and OS (85%vs69%) (all p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Most new cases of CRC are diagnosed outwith the screening programme, predominantly due to non-invite/failure to respond to invite. This has a significant association with adverse outcomes including emergency presentation, advanced TNM stage and poorer survival. Further work is required to increase screening uptake and widen access to BCS.

1274 Impact of Covid 19 on Urgent Suspicion of GI Cancer Referral in a District General Hospital

Abstract Aim Endoscopy services across United Kingdom were affected significantly since March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic. Services were reduced and were more selective. We aim to compare the impact on duration between referral to colonoscopy and the detection rate of pathology between February (pre- Covid) and August (Covid impacted) 2020. Method Data was analysed from a prospectively maintained database of patients referred for colonoscopy to Royal Alexandra Hospital, Scotland. Patients underwent colonoscopy in month of February and August 2020 were included. Bowel screening patients were excluded. Positive findings included diverticulosis, colitis, polyp and adenocarcinoma. P value of &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results Total number of patients included was 97 (55 in February, 42 in August). Median age was 61 and 69 years, respectively. Mean duration from referral to colonoscopy were 4 weeks in February and 7 weeks in August. qFIT test were found raised in 50.9% in February and 57.1% in August with positive findings of 47.3% in February and 66.7% in August. 46.4% in February and 16.7% in August had raised qFIT but normal findings (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Two high grade dysplasia polyps and two adenocarcinomas were identified in February, none found in August. Conclusions Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the endoscopic services prolonging the duration from referral to colonoscopy. qFIT test is more heavily relied to prioritise urgent colonoscopies resulting in more positive findings on colonoscopy. Cancer detection rate has reduced which is a consistent finding as the UK national endoscopy study. Massive efforts are needed to restore endoscopy services.

437 Impact of COVID-19 on West of Scotland Colorectal Cancer Services

Abstract Aim The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has driven unprecedented restriction of the National Health Service to accommodate additional pressures. Our aim was to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on the largest colorectal cancer (CRC) services in NHS Greater Glasgow &amp; Clyde. Method Audit data collected from multidisciplinary team meetings for South Glasgow CRC service were accessed. We compared April-June 2020 (‘Lockdown group’) to corresponding months in 2019 (‘Control group’). Statistical analysis by unpaired T-test, Pearson’s χ2 test with post hoc analysis using adjusted Z scores and Bonferroni correction as appropriate. Results There was a 39.5% reduction in CRC diagnoses during lockdown (n = 49) compared to control (n = 81). There was a 34.1% reduction in CRC operations during lockdown (n = 27) compared to control (n = 52). The proportion of patients managed operatively did not differ between groups (p = 0.140). There was no difference in the number of days from diagnosis to first treatment between Lockdown and Control groups (Mean(SD): 40.1±35.3 and 43.2±42.9, p = 0.257). Primary care physicians were the main referral source for both lockdown (52%) and control groups (46%). The cessation of bowel screening programme saw no referrals in lockdown whereas it accounted for 21% of referrals in control group, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions We experienced dramatic reductions in CRC diagnoses during lockdown that was not only accounted for by the cessation of bowel screening. The diagnostic delay in the 39.5% ‘missed’ CRC patients may result in patient morbidity; a severe repercussion of COVID-19. The resurgence of COVID-19 cases poses a real threat to cancer services.

The Moondance Bowel Cancer Project schools initiative.

The 5-year survival rate for bowel cancer in Wales is poor and lags behind the rest of the UK. The aim of the pilot phase of the Moondance Schools Initiative was to develop, deliver and assess a bowel cancer learning module for secondary school students in South Wales. Ultimately, we aim to introduce this programme into the National Curriculum across Wales. Two programmes regarding bowel cancer and screening were designed and delivered to a cohort of secondary school pupils in South Wales. This involved interactive teaching with patients and clinicians, practical sessions and live-streamed videos of bowel cancer surgery. Feedback regarding the events and bowel screening was collected from students and their families. The programmes were delivered to 185 secondary school students and feedback was extremely positive. The students delivered a live event at the end of the programme to demonstrate their learning to their families and invited guests. Feedback from family members revealed that 100% of respondents were more likely to take a bowel screening test as a result of attending the event. This project established that a pilot to create young bowel screening ambassadors is feasible and was positively received by students, their families and the local community. Future work will disseminate the programme further and correlate changes in bowel screening participation in the local area as a result of these events.