Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening Research Articles

Is annual screening by fecal immunochemical test necessary after a recent colonoscopy?

The population-based colorectal cancer screening guidelines in Japan recommend an annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, there is no consensus on the need for annual FIT screening for patients who recently performed a total colonoscopy (TCS). Therefore, we evaluated the repeated TCS results for patients with positive FIT after a recent TCS to assess the necessity of an annual FIT. We reviewed patients with positive FIT in opportunistic screening from April 2017 to March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: those who had undergone TCS within the previous 5 years (previous TCS group) and those who had not (non-previous TCS group). We compared the detection rates of advanced neoplasia and colorectal cancer between the two groups. Of 671 patients, 151 had received TCS within 5 years and 520 had not. The detection rates of advanced neoplasia in the previous TCS and non-previous TCS groups were 4.6% and 12.1%, respectively (p < 0.01), and the colorectal cancer detection rates were 0.7% and 1.5%, respectively (no significant difference). The adenoma detection rates were 33.8% in the previous TCS group and 40.0% in the non-previous TCS group (no significant difference). Only a few patients were diagnosed with advanced neoplasia among the patients with FIT positive after a recent TCS. For patients with adenomatous lesions on previous TCS, repeated TCS should be performed according to the surveillance program without an annual FIT. The need for an annual FIT for patients without adenomatous lesions on previous TCS should be prospectively assessed in the future.

Population-level impact of the BMJ Rapid Recommendation for colorectal cancer screening: a microsimulation analysis

ObjectiveIn 2019, a BMJ Rapid Recommendation advised against colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for adults with a predicted 15-year CRC risk below 3%. Using Switzerland as a case study, we estimated...

Adherence to follow-up and resource use after abnormal FIT-screening: Evaluation of the Danish colorectal cancer screening program.

Background and study aims The effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening programs depends on adherence to surveillance protocols for screening-positive individuals. We evaluated adherence in the Danish population-based screening program and estimated the volume of diagnostic resources required to achieve this adherence. Patients and methods In this register- and population-based study, we included individuals with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening from 2014 to 2017 and followed them until mid-2022. All endoscopic, imaging, and surgical procedures performed at public and private hospitals were identified. Adherence to national protocols was reported in terms of proportions and timeliness. Use of diagnostic and surveillance procedures was estimated during a 4-year post-screening period. Results Among 82,221 individuals with a positive FIT test, 84% had a baseline colonoscopy within 1 month. After removal of intermediate or high-risk adenomas, 12% and 6%, respectively, did not have any follow-up. Only ~50% had timely surveillance. Approximately 10% to 20%, depending on their referral diagnosis, did not have a second surveillance colonoscopy. In addition, 12% with a negative colonoscopy had a second colonoscopy within 4 years. Conclusions High adherence to baseline colonoscopy after positive FIT-screening is followed by lower adherence throughout the adenoma surveillance program. Better adherence to the guidelines could potentially improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the screening program.

Barriers and facilitators of implementing a multicomponent intervention to improve faecal immunochemical test (FIT) colorectal cancer screening in primary care clinics, Alberta

Background and objectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective at reducing the incidence and mortality of CRC. To address suboptimal CRC screening rates, a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) multicomponent intervention was...

Insights Into Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Multidatabase Cohort Study of Over 1.5 Million Taiwanese

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant public health concern. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening on CRC incidence and mortality, leveraging the scale of over 1.5 million randomly selected Taiwanese participants and more than 11.7 million person-years of follow-up. MethodsThis prospective cohort study merges data from three robust Taiwanese health databases: the CRC screening program, cancer registration, and death registration databases. Incidence and mortality rates of CRC were calculated based on age, sex, urbanization, and past screening status. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between screening statuses and CRC incidence or mortality, adjusting for age, sex, and urbanization levels. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted in 2021-2022. ResultsFIT screening was associated with a 33% reduction in CRC incidence and a 47% reduction in mortality. The study identified a dose-response relationship between the fecal hemoglobin concentration (f-HbC) levels and CRC risk. Participants with consistent FIT-negative results had significantly reduced CRC incidence and mortality risks, while those with one or more positive FIT results faced increased risks. Notably, compliance with follow-up examinations after a positive FIT significantly lowered mortality risk. ConclusionsThis large-scale study validates the efficacy of FIT screening in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. It offers a nuanced understanding of how various screening statuses impact CRC risks, thus providing valuable insights for public health strategies aimed at CRC prevention.

Proportions and characteristics of interval cancer in annual fecal immunochemical test screening and postcolonoscopy colorectal cancer: Results from a Japanese multicenter prospective study using questionnaires, the C-DETECT study.

There are several types of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the detection methods and intervals, including interval CRC (iCRC) and postcolonoscopy CRC (PCCRC). We aimed to examine their proportions and characteristics. We conducted a multicenter prospective study using questionnaires in Japan ("C-DETECT study"), in which differences in CRC characteristics according to detection methods and intervals were examined from consecutive adult patients. Because the annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) was used in population-based screening, the annual FIT-iCRC was assessed. In total, 1241 CRC patients (1064 with invasive CRC) were included. Annual FIT-iCRC (a), 3-year PCCRC (b), and CRC detected within 1 year after a positive FIT with noncompliance to colonoscopy (c) accounted for 4.5%, 7.0%, and 3.9% of all CRCs, respectively, and for 3.9%, 5.4%, and 4.3% of invasive CRCs, respectively. The comparison among these (a, b, c) and other CRCs (d) demonstrated differences in the proportions of ≥T2 invasion ([a] 58.9%, [b] 44.8%, [c] 87.5%, [d] 73.0%), metastasis ([a] 33.9%, [b] 21.8%, [c] 54.2%, [d] 43.9%), right-sided CRC ([a] 42.9%, [b] 40.2%, [c] 18.8%, [d] 28.6%), and female sex ([a] 53.6%, [b] 49.4%, [c] 27.1%, [d] 41.6%). In metastatic CRC, (a) and (b) showed a higher proportions of BRAF mutations ([a] [b] 12.0%, [c] [d] 3.1%). Annual FIT-iCRC and 3-year PCCRC existed in nonnegligible proportions. They were characterized by higher proportions of right-sided tumors, female sex, and BRAF mutations. These findings suggest that annual FIT-iCRC and 3-year PCCRC may have biological features different from those of other CRCs.

Efficient organized colorectal cancer screening in Shenzhen: a microsimulation modelling study

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a global health issue with noticeably high incidence and mortality. Microsimulation models offer a time-efficient method to dynamically analyze multiple screening strategies. The study aimed to identify the efficient organized CRC screening strategies for Shenzhen City.MethodsA microsimulation model named CMOST was employed to simulate CRC screening among 1 million people without migration in Shenzhen, with two CRC developing pathways and real-world participation rates. Initial screening included the National Colorectal Polyp Care score (NCPCS), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and risk-stratification model (RS model), followed by diagnostic colonoscopy for positive results. Several start-ages (40, 45, 50 years), stop-ages (70, 75, 80 years), and screening intervals (annual, biennial, triennial) were assessed for each strategy. The efficiency of CRC screening was assessed by number of colonoscopies versus life-years gained (LYG).ResultsThe screening strategies reduced CRC lifetime incidence by 14–27 cases (30.9–59.0%) and mortality by 7–12 deaths (41.5–71.3%), yielded 83–155 LYG, while requiring 920 to 5901 colonoscopies per 1000 individuals. Out of 81 screening, 23 strategies were estimated efficient. Most of the efficient screening strategies started at age 40 (17 out of 23 strategies) and stopped at age 70 (13 out of 23 strategies). Predominant screening intervals identified were annual for NCPCS, biennial for FIT, and triennial for RS models. The incremental colonoscopies to LYG ratios of efficient screening increased with shorter intervals within the same test category. Compared with no screening, when screening at the same start-to-stop age and interval, the additional colonoscopies per LYG increased progressively for FIT, NCPCS and RS model.ConclusionThis study identifies efficient CRC screening strategies for the average-risk population in Shenzhen. Most efficient screening strategies indeed start at age 40, but the optimal starting age depends on the chosen willingness-to-pay threshold. Within insufficient colonoscopy resources, efficient FIT and NCPCS screening strategies might be CRC initial screening strategies. We acknowledged the age-dependency bias of the results with NCPCS and RS.

Bundling Colorectal Cancer Screening Outreach with Screening for Social Risk in Federally Qualified Health Centers: A Stepped-Wedge Implementation-Effectiveness Study

BackgroundBundling is combining individual interventions to meet quality metrics. Bundling offers of cancer screening with screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) may enable health centers to assist patients with social risks and yield efficiencies.ObjectiveTo measure effects of bundling fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and SDOH screening in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs).DesignClustered stepped-wedge trial.ParticipantsFour Massachusetts FQHCs randomized to implement bundled FIT-SDOH over 8-week “steps.”InterventionOutreach to 50–75-year-olds overdue for CRC screening to offer FIT with SDOH screening. The implementation strategy used facilitation and training for data monitoring and reporting.Main MeasuresImplementation process descriptions, data from facilitation meetings, and CRC and SDOH screening rates. Rates were compared between implementation and control FQHCs in each “step” by fitting generalized linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts for FQHCs, patients, and “step” by FQHC.Key ResultsFQHCs tailored implementation processes to their infrastructure, workflows, and staffing and prioritized different groups for outreach. Two FQHCs used population health outreach, and two integrated FIT-SDOH within established programs, such as pre-visit planning. Of 34,588 patients overdue for CRC screening, 54% were female; 20% Black, 11% Latino, 10% Asian, and 47% white; 32% had Medicaid, 16% Medicare, 32% private insurance, and 11% uninsured. Odds of CRC screening completion in implementation “steps” compared to controls were higher overall and among groups prioritized for outreach (overall: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.41, p = 0.005; prioritized: aOR 2.88, p = 0.002). Odds of SDOH screening did not differ across “steps.”ConclusionsAs healthcare systems are required to conduct more screenings, it is notable that outreach for a long-standing cancer screening requirement increased screening, even when bundled with a newer screening requirement. This outreach was feasible in a real-world safety-net clinical population and may conserve resources, especially compared to more complex or intensive outreach strategies.Clinical Trials RegistrationNCT04585919

Fecal Immunochemical Test Screening: Maximizing Success by Minimizing Failure.

Implementing fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) through clinic based opportunistic screening or programmatic mailing is not as straightforward as it seems. Liu and colleagues present data for 56,980 individuals who submitted a FIT in a safety net hospital system. In 10.2% (N = 5,819), the test was deemed unsatisfactory. These data demonstrate that there is significant room for improvement in clinical practice regarding colorectal cancer screening with FIT. The high rate of 10% for unsatisfactory FIT tests is higher than the 5% benchmark suggested by the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on colorectal cancer screening. To maximize FIT success, there needs to be a preoccupation with failure at the system level that results in reducing the number of FIT tests that are rejected. Completing a stool test independently at home is not easy. The medical system needs to help and support individuals in completing the test every step of the way. Suggestions include patient related tips such as labelling and mailing the tests. There are also suggestions for the ordering clinician including administrative tracking to notify clinicians when a FIT has not been performed or is rejected. Papers like this get us focused exactly where we need to be to improve FIT-based screening. See related article by Liu et al., p. 215.

Fecal Immunochemical Testing and the Risk of Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia: A Difference-In-Difference Analysis.

To evaluate the effectiveness of fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in colorectal cancer screening. We conducted a prospective cohort study among 5,598 participants age 40-74 years between 2012 and 2020 in Tianjin, China. Inverse probability weighting was adopted to adjust for potential imbalanced factors between groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the weighted associations between FIT screening and advanced colorectal neoplasia. A difference-in-difference (DID) model was adopted to compare the incidence rates of advanced colorectal neoplasia between groups. In DID analysis, the rate of incidence was reduced by 0.34 cases per person-years in the screening group as compared with the historical FIT screening group (rate ratio [RR], 0.08 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.10]) and by 0.06 cases per person-years in the non-FIT screening group as compared with the historical non-FIT screening group (RR, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.48]; P < .001 for both comparisons), with a relative reduction of 0.28. Similar benefit effect from FIT screening was observed in sex and age subgroups. FIT screening was associated with a reduction in incidence density from advanced colorectal neoplasia.

Impact of revising colorectal cancer screening guidelines on health care resources in Canada.

78 Background: The rising incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) has prompted U.S. organizations to lower the recommended CRC screening age for average risk adults from 50 to 45 years old, while Canadian programs remain unchanged. Canadian guidelines also differ from the U.S. in preferentially screening with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and recommending against colonoscopies as a screening test. Differences in national healthcare administration warrants investigation into the resource impact of updating screening guidance in Canada. Methods: Microsimulation modeling was performed using OncoSim (version 3.6) to project health and economic outcomes of different CRC screening strategies based on Canadian population data. Four simulated birth cohorts of the Canadian population born between 1973–1992 were tracked for a 40-year span from the year the oldest in each cohort turned 40 until the youngest in the same cohort turned 75. Colorectal adenoma rates were adjusted according to cohort risk ratios estimated from historical incidence data to reflect real-world CRC rates. Outcomes were reported for the cumulative cohort. Results: Compared to FIT screening at age 50, FIT screening at 45 reduced deaths by 5,220, incidence by 11,980, and added 96,100 health-adjusted life years (HALY). Colonoscopy screening at age 45 led to 17,870 fewer deaths, 74,250 fewer cases and added 314,960 HALYs. FIT and colonoscopy screening at age 45 had incremental costs of CAD$3,259 and $7,881 per HALY gained vs. a FIT at age 50, respectively. Across screening strategies, the greatest benefits were observed in the youngest cohort. Colonoscopy screening at age 45 resulted in 10,679,540 more total colonoscopies than the current capacity of 8,966,979 with FIT screening at age 50. Lowering the screening age to 45 with a FIT increased colonoscopy demand by 329,555. The total cost of CRC care (screening, diagnosis and treatment) increased with lower screening ages and colonoscopy first modalities, while the cost of CRC management (diagnosis and treatment) decreased with lower screening ages and colonoscopy first approaches. Conclusions: Adjusting current CRC screening guidelines demonstrates significant resource implications with proportional health benefits. Lower screening ages and colonoscopy first approaches have the largest resource demand and greatest health outcomes, while the incremental cost per HALY gained for all screening strategies is modest compared to standard benchmarks. [Table: see text]

Increasing bowel cancer screening using SMS in general practice: the SMARTscreen cluster randomised trial.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) is a best-practice, organised screening programme, but uptake is low (40.9%) and increasing participation could reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CRC. Endorsement by GPs is strongly associated with increasing screening uptake. This study (SMARTscreen) aimed to test whether a multi-intervention short message service (SMS) sent by general practices to 50-60-year-old patients who were due to receive the NBCSP kit would increase NBCSP uptake, by comparing it with usual care. A stratified cluster randomised controlled trial was undertaken, involving 21 Australian general practices in Western Victoria, Australia. For intervention practices, people due to receive the NBCSP kit within a 6-month study period were sent an SMS just before receiving the kit. The SMS included a personalised message from the person's general practice endorsing the kit, a motivational narrative video, an instructional video, and a link to more information. Control practices continued with usual care, comprising at-home testing with a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) through the NBCSP. The primary outcome was the between-arm percentage difference in uptake of FIT screening within 12 months from randomisation, which was estimated using generalised linear model regression. In total, 39.2% (1143/2914) of people in 11 intervention practices and 23.0% (583/2537) of people in 10 control practices had a FIT result in their electronic health records - a difference of 16.5% (95% confidence interval = 2.02 to 30.9). The SMS intervention increased NBCSP kit return in 50-60-year-old patients in general practice. This finding informed a larger trial - SMARTERscreen - to test this intervention in a broader Australian population.

Abstract A138: Impact of racial disparities in follow-up colonoscopy for abnormal stool-screening test results on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: A simulation modeling analysis

Abstract Introduction: The benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs for average-risk adults rely on completion of follow-up colonoscopy (FU-Col) after a positive result from either the stool-based fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test. Existing data demonstrate significantly lower rates of FU-Col for Black Americans than White Americans. However, the contribution of differential FU-Col rates on disparate CRC outcomes among Black and White Americans has not been rigorously evaluated. Methods: We used the CRC-Adenoma Incidence and Mortality (CRC-AIM) model as our analysis platform, with inputs from published literature that report Black adults are approximately 15% less likely to complete FU-Col compared to White adults. CRC-AIM was validated against United Kingdom Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial and three National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) CRC models. We simulated screening with annual FIT and triennial mt-sDNA between ages 45 and 75 versus no screening. We considered two scenarios that assumed perfect adherence to FIT/mt-sDNA screening: 1) FU-Col rates for Black adults are 15% lower than those for White adults; 2) Black adults have the same FU-Col rates as White adults. In a secondary analysis, we considered real-world adherence to FIT (43%) and mt-sDNA (66%) and reran these two scenarios. Lifetime outcomes per 1,000 individuals were reported. Results: Assuming perfect adherence to FIT/mt-sDNA screening and 15% lower FU-Col rates, estimated life-year gains (LYG) from annual FIT and triennial mt-sDNA screening strategies compared to no screening was 227 and 239 per 1,000 individuals, respectively. If Black adults had the same FU-Col rates as White adults, the LYG would increase to 243 and 256 for FIT and mt-sDNA screening, respectively, which corresponds to a 7% improvement in LYG. Furthermore, elimination of racial disparities in FU-Col rates would reduce CRC incidence by 8% and 9% for FIT and mt-sDNA screening, respectively and reduce CRC mortality by 10% for both FIT and mt-sDNA screening. Secondary analysis shows that eliminating disparities in FU-Col would lead to 9-11% improvement in LYGs, 5-9% improvement in CRC incidence, and 7-11% improvement in CRC mortality for Black adults considering the real-world adherence to FIT/mt-sDNA screening. Conclusions: Data from this novel simulation modeling study that accounts for differences in FU-Col rates between Black and White Americans suggest that focused efforts to eliminate this gap would improve the anticipated LYG, CRC incidence, and CRC mortality benefits associated with stool-based CRC screening by over 7%, 8%, and 10%, respectively. Further investigation of this under-appreciated contributor to established racial disparities in CRC control may lead to innovative solutions for improving health equity. Citation Format: Oguz Alagoz, A. Mark Fendrick, Vahab Vahdat, Chris Estes, A. Burak Ozbay, Travelle Ellis, Paul J. Limburg, Durado Brooks. Impact of racial disparities in follow-up colonoscopy for abnormal stool-screening test results on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: A simulation modeling analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A138.

Abstract C122: Patient perspectives on factors influencing repeat colorectal cancer screening in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Abstract Background. The life-saving benefits of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can be maximized only if screening is completed at recommended intervals. The fecal immunochemical test (FIT), an inexpensive stool-based test recommended yearly, is the primary screening modality in many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and remains underutilized. To inform system interventions, we sought to identify patient perspectives on factors that influence the likelihood of repeated FIT screening over time in a large FQHC. Methods. Between September 2022 and March 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with patients who were due for FIT screening and completed at least one prior FIT test at a large FQHC that serves a primarily Latino population in Los Angeles County. Our interview guide explored patients’ perceived barriers and facilitators to repeat FIT over time and experiences with FIT clinic processes of care. Audio-recorded interviews were conducted in patients’ preferred language (English or Spanish), transcribed, and translated. Transcripts were coded using ATLAS.ti, and themes were summarized. Results. Among 17 interview participants, the majority were female (82%), Latino (94%), and Spanish-speaking (88%). The median age was 57 years (range 52-70), and 41% had an 8th grade education or less. Interviews revealed that patient, family, and provider/system factors influenced receipt of sequential rounds of annual FIT CRC screening. At the patient level, perceived importance of disease prevention and early detection on the part of patients facilitated proactive engagement in regular screening. Additionally, many patients thought the process of FIT completion and return was easy, although some patients did express low confidence in stool sample collection and time and work constraints impeding in-person FIT return. Another recurrent theme was motivation from family, both direct support (assistance with FIT completion and transportation to clinic) and indirect motivation (an intrinsic desire to stay healthy for family). At the provider/system level, language discordance hindered communication with providers, and in-language FIT instructions and availability of bilingual staff to translate were identified as facilitators. Patient suggestions to improve FIT completion included client text and letter reminders when due for CRC screening; print education that underscores the purpose of screening; and appointment consolidation for cancer and other preventive care screenings. Conclusion. Interventions to improve regular FIT-based CRC screening may benefit from emphasizing the importance of early detection; improving patient knowledge and confidence in how to perform stool sample collection; family support; and language-concordant staff and resources for multi-lingual and medically underserved populations. Citation Format: Narissa J. Nonzee, Beth A. Glenn, Debra Rosen, Genesis Sandoval, Diana Trujillo, Folasade P. May, Alison K. Herrmann, Christine Park, Alicia Lwin, Joanna Quintanilla, Jessica Tuan, Lauren Cai, Roshan Bastani. Patient perspectives on factors influencing repeat colorectal cancer screening in a Federally Qualified Health Center [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C122.

Abstract C117: Implementing on overdue colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) primary care setting: 12-month post intervention results

Abstract PURPOSE: We partnered with the largest FQHC in New Haven, CT to address overdue colorectal cancer screening with evidence-based interventions (EBI). We report on the 12-month follow up of a cohort of 3,127 patients overdue for CRC screening who received 1 or more evidence based interventions (EBIs) in October, 2021. BACKGROUND: Sociocultural and medical concerns are barriers to colonoscopy uptake contributing to disparities in CRC screening. An additional barrier is system level capacity. COVID-19 associated delays exacerbated the existing backlog of individuals overdue for CRC screening, underscoring the need to expand Fecal Immunochemical Testing (FIT) screening capacity. At the time of the study, colonoscopy was the front-line cancer screening strategy in this and other primary care settings in this region. METHODS: We tested the unique and additive value of multiple EBIs for increasing CRC screening in this low-income urban population. The EBIs included: medical reminder to all recipients (Arms 1-4), supplemented with information to address social determinants of health [SDOH]) barriers (Arm 2), offer of assistance from trained community health workers (CHW) to address SDOH barriers (Arm 3), and offer of educational intervention (video and pre- and post- survey) (Arm 4). Twelve-month outcomes include: 1) CRC screening test ordered; 2) CRC screening completed. RESULTS: Of the 3,127 randomized patients, ages 50-75, 77% were Hispanic (33%) or Black (44%). At 12 months post-intervention, 1,692 (54.1%) of the cohort received an order for CRC screening, and 541 (17.3%) of the cohort completed screening. With no path to CRC screening other than a provider order, among patients for whom CRC screening was ordered, nearly one-third (32%) completed screening within 12 months of the intervention. There were no differences in either outcome based on intervention Arm. DISCUSSION: Among the 3,127 individuals who were due or overdue for screening at the time of intervention, only 9 had documented CRC cancer screening in the 5 years before randomization. The promotion of stool-based testing may have brought individuals into CRC screening. There were no differences in CRC screening (colonoscopy or FIT) orders or completed tests across the 4 arms of the study, suggesting that the provider endorsed mailed screening reminder with information on in-home, stool-based testing option (FIT), and notice that CRC screening is now recommended beginning at age 45 was key to behavior change. Provider engagement and post-pandemic care-seeking on part of patients, as well as increased awareness of CRC screening following the death of high-profile actor at age 43 likely contributed to increased uptake of CRC screening. SUMMARY: A mailed reminder is a cost effective, scalable intervention that may be effective in safety net primary care settings that serve high-risk individuals. Closing the screening gap in CRC screening should include educating patients about their CRC screening options as well as the change in recommended age to begin CRC screening. Citation Format: Beth A. Jones, Sakinah C. Suttiratana, Sarah A. DeGiovanni, Levita Robinson, Michael Couturie, Steven J. Parra, Louie M. Gangcuangco, Laney Zhang, Denise Stevens, Margarita Vargas-Torres. Implementing on overdue colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) primary care setting: 12-month post intervention results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr C117.

Cost-Effectiveness of Liquid Biopsy for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Patients Who Are Unscreened

Despite recommendations for universal screening, adherence to colorectal cancer screening in the US is approximately 60%. Liquid biopsy tests are in development for cancer early detection, but it is unclear whether they are cost-effective for colorectal cancer screening. To estimate the cost-effectiveness of liquid biopsy for colorectal cancer screening in the US. In this economic evaluation, a Markov model was developed to compare no screening and 5 colorectal cancer screening strategies: colonoscopy, liquid biopsy, liquid biopsy following nonadherence to colonoscopy, stool DNA, and fecal immunochemical test. Adherence to first-line screening with colonoscopy, stool DNA, or fecal immunochemical test was assumed to be 60.6%, and adherence for liquid biopsy was assumed to be 100%. For colonoscopy, stool DNA, and fecal immunochemical test, patients who did not adhere to testing were not offered other screening. In colonoscopy-liquid biopsy hybrid, liquid biopsy was second-line screening for those who deferred colonoscopy. Scenario analyses were performed to include the possibility of polyp detection for liquid biopsy. No screening, colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test, stool DNA, liquid biopsy, and colonoscopy-liquid biopsy hybrid screening. Model outcomes included life expectancy, total cost, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. A strategy was considered cost-effective if it had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio less than the US willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per life-year gained. This study used a simulated cohort of patients aged 45 years with average risk of colorectal cancer. In the base case, colonoscopy was the preferred, or cost-effective, strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $28 071 per life-year gained. Colonoscopy-liquid biopsy hybrid had the greatest gain in life-years gained but had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $377 538. Colonoscopy-liquid biopsy hybrid had a greater gain in life-years if liquid biopsy could detect polyps but remained too costly. In this economic evaluation of liquid biopsy for colorectal cancer screening, colonoscopy was a cost-effective strategy for colorectal cancer screening in the general population, and the inclusion of liquid biopsy as a first- or second-line screening strategy was not cost-effective at its current cost and screening performance. Liquid biopsy tests for colorectal cancer screening may become cost-effective if their cost is substantially lowered.

Impact of Various Risk Factors on the Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test for Colorectal Cancer in the Iranian Population.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most prevalent cancer with high mortality worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of CRC based on the positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) result in the Iranian population. Methods: The present study was conducted on the health assessment data recorded in the SINA (Integrated Health Information System) in 2018 and 2019 from individuals who had participated in the national program, including asymptomatic people aged 50-69 years or had risk factors of CRC such as family or past personal history of CRC as well as symptomatic individuals, for the early detection and prevention of CRC in Mashhad, Iran. Results: The study participants included 140,463 eligible individuals, of whom 8258 (5.88%) and 145 (2.21%) were positive for FIT and diagnosed with colon cancer, respectively. Unfortunately, only 654 people had undergone colonoscopy. Our results indicated that age, fast food intake (≥two units per day), family history of CRC in first or second-degree relatives, some gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and CRC, as well as bleeding per anus, constipation, abdominal cramp, and losing body weight were associated with increased risk of positive FIT. However, some other factors, including having a hard job, physical activity, and Iranian nationality (compared to non-Iranians), were associated with a low risk of positive FIT screening tests for CRC. Conclusion: A high number of high-risk persons in Mashhad were positive for the FIT test in 2018-2019, and many of them were diagnosed with CRC, according to the colonoscopy results. Therefore, screening is highly recommended as the first step in the early detection of CRC.

Screening uptake of colonoscopy versus fecal immunochemical testing in first-degree relatives of patients with non-syndromic colorectal cancer: A multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized trial (ParCoFit study).

Colonoscopy screening is underused by first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with non-syndromic colorectal cancer (CRC) with screening completion rates below 50%. Studies conducted in FDR referred for screening suggest that fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) was not inferior to colonoscopy in terms of diagnostic yield and tumor staging, but screening uptake of FIT has not yet been tested in this population. In this study, we investigated whether the uptake of FIT screening is superior to the uptake of colonoscopy screening in the familial-risk population, with an equivalent effect on CRC detection. This open-label, parallel-group, randomized trial was conducted in 12 Spanish centers between February 2016 and December 2021. Eligible individuals included asymptomatic FDR of index cases <60 years, siblings or ≥2 FDR with CRC. The primary outcome was to compare screening uptake between colonoscopy and FIT. The secondary outcome was to determine the efficacy of each strategy to detect advanced colorectal neoplasia (adenoma or serrated polyps ≥10 mm, polyps with tubulovillous architecture, high-grade dysplasia, and/or CRC). Screening-naïve FDR were randomized (1:1) to one-time colonoscopy versus annual FIT during 3 consecutive years followed by a work-up colonoscopy in the case of a positive test. Randomization was performed before signing the informed consent using computer-generated allocation algorithm based on stratified block randomization. Multivariable regression analysis was performed by intention-to-screen. On December 31, 2019, when 81% of the estimated sample size was reached, the trial was terminated prematurely after an interim analysis for futility. Study outcomes were further analyzed through 2-year follow-up. The main limitation of this study was the impossibility of collecting information on eligible individuals who declined to participate. A total of 1,790 FDR of 460 index cases were evaluated for inclusion, of whom 870 were assigned to undergo one-time colonoscopy (n = 431) or FIT (n = 439). Of them, 383 (44.0%) attended the appointment and signed the informed consent: 147/431 (34.1%) FDR received colonoscopy-based screening and 158/439 (35.9%) underwent FIT-based screening (odds ratio [OR] 1.08; 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.82, 1.44], p = 0.564). The detection rate of advanced colorectal neoplasia was significantly higher in the colonoscopy group than in the FIT group (OR 3.64, 95% CI [1.55, 8.53], p = 0.003). Study outcomes did not change throughout follow-up. In this study, compared to colonoscopy, FIT screening did not improve screening uptake by individuals at high risk of CRC, resulting in less detection of advanced colorectal neoplasia. Further studies are needed to assess how screening uptake could be improved in this high-risk group, including by inclusion in population-based screening programs. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02567045).

Risk factors for colorectal cancer in a fecal immunochemical test-positive group: The National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the fourth most common cancer in Republic of Korea in 2019. It has a gradually increasing mortality rate, indicating the importance of screening for CRC. Among the various CRC screening test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a simple yet most commonly used. Neverthelss, there have been only few long-term studies on subjects with FIT-positive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors for CRC in FIT-positive patients using the National Health Insurance Service Bigdata database. Among 1737633 individuals with a FIT screening result for CRC in 2009, 101143 (5.82%) were confirmed to be FIT positive. The CRC incidence over 10years (up to 2018) of these participants was investigated using the National Cancer Registry. Out of the 101143 FIT-positive participants, 4395 (4.35%) were diagnosed with CRC. The FIT-positive patients who underwent a second round of screening showed a 5-year cumulative CRC incidence of approximately 1.25%, whereas those who did not showed an incidence of approximately 3.75%. Among the FIT-positive patients, the CRC incidence in the non-compliance group for the second round of screening was 2.8 times higher than that in the compliance group. In FIT-positive participants, non-compliance with the second round of screening was identified as a major risk factor for CRC development. It is necessary to establish appropriate strategies for managing risk factors for CRC in FIT-positive patients to increase the rate of compliance with the second round of CRC screening.

Feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing to promote colorectal cancer screening among average risk Chinese older adults

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of motivational interviewing to promote fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uptake among average-risk Chinese older adults and to preliminarily examine its effects on the knowledge level, perceived barriers to and benefits of the FIT, self-efficacy in screening, screening intention and FIT uptake. MethodsA one-group pre-test and post-test study design was adopted. A motivational interviewing intervention using face-to-face and telephone approaches was delivered to average-risk Chinese older adults aged 50–75 years. The number of participants approached, the number eligible for participation and intervention completion, and study retention rates were recorded. The knowledge, perceived benefits of, barriers to, self-efficacy in and intention to participate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening were assessed before and after the intervention. FIT uptake was recorded 3 months after the intervention. Interviews were conducted to record the participants’ experiences of participating in the intervention. ResultsTwenty Chinese older adults completed the study. The motivational interviewing intervention improved the screening intention, knowledge of CRC and its screening, the perceived benefits of and self-efficacy in screening and perceived barriers to screening. Twelve participants (60.0%) had undergone FIT screening. Nineteen participants attended the interviews. They were all satisfied with the intervention. Three categories were generated regarding their experience in participating in the intervention, namely, (1) enhanced motivation and self-efficacy in screening, (2) enhanced understanding of the CRC screening program, and (3) areas for intervention improvement. ConclusionsThe implementation of a motivational interviewing intervention was feasible and was acceptable to average-risk Chinese older adults. A full-scale study should be conducted in the future. Trial registrationISRCTN39658070.