Participation In Colorectal Cancer Screening Research Articles

Risk of cancers proximal to the colon in fecal immunochemical test positive screenees in a colorectal cancer screening program

In more than half of the colorectal cancer (CRC) screening participants with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) result, no advanced neoplasia (AN) is detected at colonoscopy. The positive FIT result could also be generated by cancers located proximal to the colon: upper gastrointestinal, oral cavity, nose and throat cancers. We evaluated screenees' risk of being diagnosed with a cancer proximal to the colon within the three years and compared risks between those with a positive versus those with a negative FIT. Data of Dutch CRC screening participants who underwent biennial FIT-based screening 2014-2018 were collected from the national screening database and linked to the National Cancer Registry. Screenees were classified into three groups: FIT-positives with AN (FIT+/AN+), FIT-positives without AN (FIT+/AN-) and FIT-negatives (FIT-). We compared the cumulative incidence of cancers proximal to the colon in each group three years after FIT. A Cox regression analysis with left truncation and right censoring, using FIT positivity as time-dependent variable and stratified for sex, was performed to compare the hazard of cancers proximal to the colon in FIT-positives versus FIT-negatives. Three-year cumulative incidence of cancers proximal to the colon in FIT+/AN+ (n=65,767), FIT+/AN- (n=50,661) and FIT- (n=1,831,647) screenees was 0.7%, 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively (p<0.001). FIT-positives were older and more frequently male than FIT-negatives (p<0.001). Significantly more cancers proximal to the colon were detected among FIT-positives (p<0.001; hazard ratio 1.55, 95% CI: 1.44 to 1.67). FIT-positive screenees were at significantly increased risk of being diagnosed with a cancer proximal to the colon within three years after FIT, though the three-year cumulative incidence was still less than one percent.

Polyketide synthase positive Escherichia coli one-time measurement in stool is not informative of colorectal cancer risk in a screening setting.

Environmental factors like the pathogenicity island polyketide synthase positive (pks+) Escherichia coli (E. coli) could have potential for risk stratification in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The association between pks+ E. coli measured in fecal immunochemical test (FIT) samples and the detection of advanced neoplasia (AN) at colonoscopy was investigated. Biobanked FIT samples were analyzed for both presence of E. coli and pks+ E. coli and correlated with colonoscopy findings; 5020 CRC screening participants were included. Controls were participants in which no relevant lesion was detected because of FIT-negative results (cut-off ≥15 μg Hb/g feces), a negative colonoscopy, or a colonoscopy during which only a nonadvanced polyp was detected. Cases were participants with AN [CRC, advanced adenoma (AA), or advanced serrated polyp (ASP)]. Existing DNA isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) procedures were used for the detection of E. coli and pks+ E. coli in stool. A total of 4542 (90.2%) individuals were E. coli positive, and 1322 (26.2%) were pks+ E. coli positive. The prevalence of E. coli in FIT samples from individuals with AN was 92.9% compared to 89.7% in FIT samples of controls (p = 0.010). The prevalence of pks+ E. coli in FIT samples from individuals with AN (28.6%) and controls (25.9%) was not significantly different (p = 0.13). The prevalences of pks+ E. coli in FIT samples from individuals with CRC, AA, or ASP were 29.6%, 28.3%, and 32.1%, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of pks+ E. coli in a screening population was 26.2% and did not differ significantly between individuals with AN and controls. These findings disqualify the straightforward option of using a snapshot measurement of pks+ E. coli in FIT samples as a stratification biomarker for CRC risk. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates at Federally Qualified Health Centers From 2014 to 2022: Incomplete Recovery From COVID-19 and Worsening Disparities.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) provide preventive health services such as colorectal cancer (CRC) screening to low-income and underinsured individuals. Overall CRC screening participation in the United States declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovered by 2021; however, trends in underresourced settings are unknown. Using Uniform Data System data from 2014 to 2022, we assessed trends in FQHC CRC screening rates nationally, in California, and in Los Angeles County and determined clinic-level factors associated with recent screening rate changes. For each FQHC, we calculated the screening rate change from 2019 to 2020, 2020 to 2021, and 2020 to 2022. We used mixed-effects linear regression to determine clinic-level characteristics associated with each screening rate change. Across all FQHC (n = 1,281), 7,016,181 patients were eligible for CRC screening in 2022. Across the United States and in California, median screening rates increased from 2014 to 2019, severely declined in 2020, and failed to return to prepandemic levels by 2022. Both nationally and in California, CRC screening declined most dramatically from 2019 to 2020 in FQHC serving majority Hispanic/Latino patients or a high proportion of patients experiencing homelessness. From 2020 to 2022, screening rates did not recover completely in US FQHC, with disproportionate recovery among FQHC serving majority non-Hispanic Black patients. CRC screening rates at FQHC did not return to prepandemic levels by 2022, and recovery varied by FQHC patient characteristics. Tailored interventions addressing low and decreasing CRC screening rates in FQHC are urgently needed to mitigate worsening CRC disparities.

Abstract 796: Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas

Abstract Introduction: The existing literature on colorectal cancer-related inequities among Hispanic/Latino men may be poorly descried as most outcome data to date for this ethnic group are reported in aggregate. This study explored how masculine beliefs may influence colorectal cancer screening participation among ethnic subgroups of Hispanic/Latino men aged 45-75 years. Methods: Utilizing a consumer panel, self-identified Hispanic/Latino men that were age-eligible for colorectal cancer screening and fluent in either English or Spanish were recruited from Florida, New York, and Texas (February-March 2022). The Masculinity Barriers to Medical Care (MBMC) scale, comprising six theoretically derived subscales, was assessed masculinity. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to estimate the association between MBMC and colorectal cancer screening participation, adjusting for Hispanic/Latino subgroup, marital status, survey language, age, and health insurance status. Next, to explore differences by Hispanic/Latino subgroups (Mexican/Mexican American/Chicano; Puerto Rican; Cuban; Other Hispanic/Latino), results were stratified by subgroup and adjusted for confounding. Results: There were 611 male participants, with roughly 31% identifying as Puerto Rican, 30% a different Hispanic ethnic background (“Other Hispanic/Latino”), 26% Mexican, and 14% Cuban. More than half (63%) of whom had ever been screened for colorectal cancer. No variations in screening rates were observed across Hispanic/Latino subgroups. Stool-based tests were more commonly used for screening compared to exam-based tests (60% vs. 49%). After adjusting for confounding, masculinity barriers reduced the odds of the screening participation. Differences were observed by Hispanic/Latino subgroup for a few MBMC scale items. Specifically, Cuban men were most likely to report trust in healthcare professionals, but least likely to report receiving quality medical care. Latino men of other Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to report taking risks with their own health if it benefits their family. Among Puerto Rican men, higher scores on the restrictive emotionality subscale were associated with a lower likelihood of screening participation. Conversely, higher scores on the health-related self-reliance subscale were associated with a greater likelihood of screening participation among men of other Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. Conclusion: Differences in colorectal cancer screening participation by Hispanic/Latino ethnicity were not observed, suggesting barriers to screening may be similar among subgroups. Masculinity barriers to colorectal cancer screening may exist among Latino men, particularly among Puerto Rican men. Intervening on these masculinity-related barriers masculinity may improve colorectal cancer screening uptake among Latino men. Citation Format: Ami E. Sedani, Jessica Y. Islam, Derek M. Griffith, Kelly K. Rifelj, Cordero L. McCall, Omar García-Rodríguez, Marlene Camacho-Rivera, Charles R. Rogers. Exploring the impact of masculine beliefs on colorectal cancer screening participation among Hispanic/Latino men in Florida, New York, and Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 796.

The projected health and economic impact of increased colorectal cancer screening participation among Canadians by income quintile.

Disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake by socioeconomic status have been observed in Canada. We used the OncoSim-Colorectal model to evaluate the health and economic outcomes associated with increasing the participation rates of CRC screening programs to 60% among Canadians in different income quintiles. Baseline CRC screening participation rates were obtained from the 2017 Canadian Community Health Survey. The survey participants were categorized into income quintiles using their reported household income and 2016 Canadian Census income quintile thresholds. Within each quintile, the participation rate was the proportion of respondents aged 50-74 who reported having had a fecal test in the past two years. Using the OncoSim-Colorectal model, we simulated an increase in CRC screening uptake to 60% across income quintiles to assess the effects on CRC incidence, mortality, and associated economic costs from 2024 to 2073. Increasing CRC screening participation rates to 60% across all income quintiles would prevent 69,100 CRC cases and 36,600 CRC deaths over 50 years. The improvement of clinical outcomes would also translate to increased person-years and health-adjusted person-years. The largest impact was observed in the lowest income group, with 22,200 cases and 11,700 deaths prevented over 50 years. Increased participation could lead to higher screening costs ($121 million CAD more per year) and lower treatments costs ($95 million CAD less per year), averaged over the period 2024-2073. Increased screening participation will improve clinical outcomes across all income groups while alleviating associated treatment costs. The benefits of increased participation will be strongest among the lowest income quintile.

Racial and sociodemographic distribution of colorectal cancer screening in Canada: A cross-sectional study.

To assess the racial and sociodemographic distribution of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in Canada, identify disparities, and evaluate the potential predictors and barriers to CRC screening. Data from the 2017 cycle of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) were analyzed, focusing on individuals aged 50-74years. CRC screening participation rates were evaluated at both national and provincial levels and across various sociodemographic characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify predictors and barriers to CRC screening. Of the 56,950 respondents to the 2017 CCHS, 41.7% (n = 23,727) were between 50 and 74years of age. The overall CRC screening participation rate was 59.8%, with provinces like Alberta and Manitoba achieving rates of 65.7% and 66.5%, respectively. Significant disparities were observed across socioeconomic, geographical, and racial or ethnic groups. Notably, older adults [AOR 2.41, 95% CI 2.06‒2.83], higher income earners [AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.77‒2.24], and non-smokers [AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.55‒2.0] had higher odds of screening, while immigrants and minority ethnic groups, especially South-East Asians [AOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29‒0.78] and South Asians [AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44‒0.95], had lower odds of being up to date with CRC screening. A significant portion of unscreened individuals cited their healthcare provider's perception of the test as unnecessary. While there is promising progress in CRC screening participation rates across Canada, significant disparities persist. Addressing these disparities is crucial for public health. Efforts should focus on enhancing public awareness, facilitating accessibility, and ensuring cultural appropriateness of CRC screening initiatives.

The Reach of Calls and Text Messages for Mailed FIT Outreach in the PROMPT Stepped-Wedge Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial.

Mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach can improve colorectal cancer screening participation. We assessed the reach and effectiveness of adding notifications to mailed FIT programs. We conducted secondary analyses of a stepped-wedge evaluation of an enhanced mailed FIT program (n = 15 clinics). Patients were stratified by prior FIT completion. Those with prior FIT were sent a text message (Group 1); those without were randomized 1:1 to receive a text message (Group 2) or live phone call (Group 3). All groups were sent automated phone call reminders. In stratified analysis, we measured reach and effectiveness (FIT completion within 6 months) and assessed patient-level associations using generalized estimating equations. Patients (n = 16,934; 83% Latino; 72% completed prior FIT) were reached most often by text messages (78%), followed by live phone calls (71%), then automated phone calls (56%). FIT completion was higher in patients with prior FIT completion versus without [44% (Group 1) vs. 19% (Group 2 + Group 3); P < 0.01]. For patients without prior FIT, effectiveness was higher in those allocated to a live phone call [20% (Group 3) vs. 18% (Group 2) for text message; P = 0.04] and in those who personally answered the live call (28% vs. 9% no call completed; P < 0.01). Text messages reached the most patients, yet effectiveness was highest in those who personally answered the live phone call. Despite the broad reach and low cost of text messages, personalized approaches may more successfully boost FIT completion.

A Case-Control Study of Cognitive Factors Affecting Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation in 50–70-Year-Old Iranian Adults

ABSTRACT Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. CRC can be effectively prevented or treated if detected early, through screening. Purpose This study aimed to determine the influencing factors of CRC screening participation in 50–70-year adults in Iran. Method A total of 354 adults who never participated in the CRC screening from two health centers in Isfahan in September 2022 were selected randomly. A group of 329 sex and age-matched adults with a history of CRC screening was selected as a control group. Logistic regression analyses were applied to assess the cognitive differences between the two groups. Results According to the results, Knowledge (OR = 1.61, 95% CI:1.36–1.9), perceived susceptibility (OR = 1.17, 95% CI:1.04–1.3), response efficacy (OR = 1.24, 95% CI:1.09–1.41), and self-efficacy (OR = 1.13, 95% CI:1.06–1.2) among the control group and perceived barriers (OR = 0.88, 95% CI:0.85–0.92) in the case group, were significant factors influencing participation in the CRC screening. Discussion Results of this study suggest that an HBM education model is an advantageous approach to increase CRC screening participation in adults. Translation to Health Education Practice Certified Health Education Specialists are key personnel in using the HBM model of care and facilitators of behavioral change that will be resulted in improved participation in CRC screening.

Methods for scaling up an outreach intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening rates in rural areas

BackgroundMailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach and patient navigation are evidence-based practices shown to improve rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) and follow-up in various settings, yet these programs have not been broadly adopted by health systems and organizations that serve diverse populations. Reasons for low adoption rates are multifactorial, and little research explores approaches for scaling up a complex, multi-level CRC screening outreach intervention to advance equity in rural settings.MethodsSMARTER CRC, a National Cancer Institute Cancer Moonshot project, is a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a mailed FIT and patient navigation program involving 3 Medicaid health plans and 28 rural primary care practices in Oregon and Idaho followed by a national scale-up trial. The SMARTER CRC intervention combines mailed FIT outreach supported by clinics, health plans, and vendors and patient navigation for colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT result. We applied the framework from Perez and colleagues to identify the intervention’s components (including functions and forms) and scale-up dissemination strategies and worked with a national advisory board to support scale-up to additional organizations. The team is recruiting health plans, primary care clinics, and regional and national organizations in the USA that serve a rural population. To teach organizations about the intervention, activities include Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) tele-mentoring learning collaboratives, a facilitation guide and other materials, a patient navigation workshop, webinars, and individualized technical assistance. Our primary outcome is program adoption (by component), measured 6 months after participation in an ECHO learning collaborative. We also assess engagement and adaptations (implemented and desired) to learn how the multicomponent intervention might be modified to best support broad scale-up.DiscussionFindings may inform approaches for adapting and scaling evidence-based approaches to promote CRC screening participation in underserved populations and settings.Trial registrationRegistered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04890054) and at the NCI’s Clinical Trials Reporting Program (CTRP no.: NCI-2021–01032) on May 11, 2021.

Benefit-Harm Analysis for Informed Decision Making on Participating in Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Modeling Study

ObjectivesTo facilitate informed decision making on participating in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, we assessed the benefit-harm balance of CRC screening for a wide range of subgroups over different time horizons. MethodsThe study combined incidence proportions of benefits and harms of (not) participating in CRC screening estimated by the Adenoma and Serrated pathway to CAncer microsimulation model, a preference eliciting survey, and benefit-harm balance modeling combining all outcomes to determine the net health benefit of CRC screening over 10, 20, and 30 years. Probability of net health benefit was estimated for 210 different subgroups based on age, sex, previous participation in CRC screening, and lifestyle. ResultsCRC screening was net beneficial in 183 of 210 subgroups over 30 years (median probability [MP] of 0.79, interquartile range [IQR] of 0.69-0.85) across subgroups. Net health benefit was greater for men (MP 0.82; IQR 0.69-0.89) than women (MP 0.76; IQR 0.67-0.83) and for those without history of participation in previous screenings (MP 0.84; IQR 0.80-0.89) compared with those with (MP 0.69; IQR 0.59-0.75). Net health benefit decreased with increasing age, from MP of 0.84 (IQR 0.80-0.86) at age 55 to 0.61 (IQR 0.56-0.71) at age 75. Shorter time horizons led to lower benefit, with MP of 0.70 (IQR 0.62-0.80) over 20 years and 0.54 (IQR 0.48-0.67) over 10 years. ConclusionsOur benefit-harm analysis provides information about net health benefit of screening participation, based on important characteristics and preferences of individuals, which could assist screening invitees in making informed decisions on screening participation.

Geospatial analysis and participant characteristics associated with colorectal cancer screening participation in Alberta, Canada: a population-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death in Canada and early detection can prevent deaths through screening. However, CRC screening in Alberta, Canada remains suboptimal and varies by sociodemographic and health system characteristics, as well as geographic location. This study aimed to further the understanding of these participant and health system characteristics associated with CRC screening in Alberta and identify clusters of regions with higher rates of overdue or unscreened individuals.MethodsWe included Albertans aged 52 to 74 as of December 31, 2019 (index date) and we used data from administrative health data sources and linked to the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program database to determine colorectal cancer screening rates. We used multivariable multinomial logistic regression analysis to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic, health system characteristics and participation in CRC screening. We used optimized Getis-Ord Gi* hot-spot analysis to identify hot and cold-spots in overdue for and no record of CRC screening.ResultsWe included 919,939 Albertans, of which 65% were currently up to date on their CRC screening, 21% were overdue, and 14% had no record of CRC screening. Compared to Albertans who were currently up to date, those who were in older age groups, those without a usual provider of care, those who were health system non-users, and those living in more deprived areas were more likely to have no record of screening. Areas with high number of Albertans with no record of screening were concentrated in the North and Central zones.ConclusionsOur study showed important variation in colorectal cancer screening participation across sociodemographic, health system and geographical characteristics and identified areas with higher proportions of individuals who have no record of screening or are under-screened in Alberta, Canada.

Vulnerability and Colorectal screening during the pandemic

ObjectiveDisparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening prevalence across United States neighborhoods may reflect social inequities that create barriers to accessing and completing preventive health services. Our objective was to identify whether neighborhood social vulnerability was associated with a change in CRC screening prevalence in Boston neighborhoods during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsAdults ages 50–74 years due for CRC screening who received primary care at one of 35 primary care practices affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA), 3/1/2020 to 3/1/2022. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) is an aggregate measure of neighborhood social factors often used by public health authorities to examine neighborhood susceptibility to many health outcomes. ResultsIn 2020, 74.9 % of eligible individuals were up to date with CRC screening and this fell to 67.4 % in 2022 (p < 0.001). In 2020, 36.2 % of eligible patients lived in a neighborhood above the 80th percentile of SVI, consistent with high social vulnerability, while the same value was 35.1 % in 2022. There was no association between the change in screening prevalence and SVI: a decrease of 5.5 % screened in neighborhoods with SVI ≤ 80 compared to a decrease of 3.6 % in neighborhoods with SVI > 80 (p = 0.79). ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic equalized the prevalence of CRC screening across Boston-area neighborhoods despite pre-existing geographic disparities in screening prevalence and SVI. Strategies to ensure equitable participation in CRC screening to promote health equity should be considered to promote equitable pandemic recovery.

“Shared decision-making” for prostate cancer screening: Is it a marker of quality preventative healthcare?

Background“Shared decision-making” (SDM) is a cornerstone of prostate cancer (PCa) screening guidelines due to tradeoffs between clinical benefits and concerns for over-diagnosis and over-treatment. SDM requires effort by primary-care-providers (PCP) in an often busy clinical setting to understand patient preferences with the backdrop of patient risk factors. We hypothesized that SDM for PCa screening, given its prominence in guidelines and practical challenges, may be associated with quality preventative healthcare in terms of other appropriate cancer screening and encouragement of other preventative health behaviors. MethodsFrom the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 50–75 year old men who underwent PSA screening were assessed for their participation in SDM, PCa and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and other preventative health behaviors, like vaccination, exercise, and smoking status. Adjusted odds ratio of likelihood of PSA testing as a function of SDM was calculated. Likelihoods of SDM and PSA testing as a function of preventative health behaviors were also calculated. ResultsScreening rates were 62 % for PCa and 88 % for CRC. Rates of SDM were 39.1 % in those with PSA screening, and 16.2 % in those without. Odds of PSA screening were higher when SDM was present (AOR = 2.68). History of colonoscopy was associated with higher odds of SDM (AOR = 1.16) and PSA testing (AOR = 1.94). Health behaviors, like regular exercise, were associated with increased odds of SDM (AOR = 1.14) and PSA testing (AOR = 1.28). History of flu vaccination (AOR = 1.29) and pneumonia vaccination (AOR = 1.19) were associated with higher odds of SDM. Those who received the flu vaccine were also more likely to have PSA testing (AOR = 1.36). Smoking was negatively associated with SDM (AOR = 0.86) and PSA testing (AOR = 0.93). Older age was associated with higher rates of PSA screening (AOR = 1.03, CI = 1.03–1.03). Black men were more likely than white men to have SDM (AOR = 1.6, CI = 1.59 – 1.6) and decreased odds of PSA testing (AOR = 0.94, CI = 0.94 – 0.95). ConclusionsSDM was associated with higher odds of PSA screening, CRC screening, and other appropriate preventative health behaviors. Racial disparities exist in both SDM and PSA screening usage. SDM may be a trackable metric that can lead to wider preference-sensitive care and improved preventative care.

563P The impact of participation in colorectal cancer screening: A population-based results from Lithuania

563P The impact of participation in colorectal cancer screening: A population-based results from Lithuania

1699MO Intervening factors for participation and non-participation in colorectal cancer screening in Spain

1699MO Intervening factors for participation and non-participation in colorectal cancer screening in Spain

Lower participation among immigrants in colorectal cancer screening in Norway.

Organized cancer screening programs should be equally accessible for all groups in society. We assessed differences in participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among different immigrant groups. Between 2012 and 2019, 140,000 individuals aged 50 to 74 years were randomly invited to sigmoidoscopy or repeated faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in a CRC screening trial. In this study, we included 46,919 individuals invited to sigmoidoscopy and 70,018 invited to the first round of FIT between 2012 and 2017. We examined difference in participation between non-immigrants and immigrants, and within different immigrant groups by geographic area of origin, using logistic regression models, adjusted for several sociodemographic factors and health factors. In total, we included 106,695 non-immigrants and 10,242 immigrants. The participation rate for FIT was 60% among non-immigrants, 58% among immigrants from Western countries and 37% among immigrants from non-Western countries. The participation rate for sigmoidoscopy was 53% among non-immigrants, 48% among immigrants from Western countries and 23% among immigrants from non-Western countries. Compared to non-immigrants, multivariate adjusted odds ratio for non-participation in FIT screening was 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.04-1.23) and 1.82 (1.69-1.96) for immigrants from Western and non-Western countries. The corresponding numbers in sigmoidoscopy screening were 1.34 (1.21-1.48) and 2.83 (2.55-3.14). The lowest participation was observed in immigrants from Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia, and South-Central Asia. Participation in CRC screening in Norway was particularly low among non-Western immigrants, which could put them at increased risk for late stage diagnosis of CRC. Participation was lower in sigmoidoscopy screening than in FIT screening, especially among immigrants from non-Western countries.

Use of a mixed-methods approach to develop a guidebook with messaging to encourage colorectal cancer screening among Black individuals 45 and older.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and disproportionately impacts Black individuals. Here, we describe the mixed-methods approach used to develop a tailored message guidebook to promote CRC screening among Black individuals in the setting of recently updated screening guidelines. This mixed-methods study included 10 in-depth qualitative interviews and 490 surveys in a nationally representative sample of unscreened Black individuals age ≥ 45. Messages were developed based on American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) research findings, tested among Black individuals using MaxDiff analytic methods, and reviewed by a multi-sector expert advisory committee of NCCRT members. The most frequently reported screening barrier in all age groups was self-reported procrastination (40.0% in age 45-49, 42.8% for age 50-54, 34.2% for age ≥ 55). Reasons for procrastination varied by age and included financial concerns, COVID-19 concerns, and fear of the test and bowel preparation. Additional screening barriers included lack of symptoms, provider recommendation, and family history of CRC. Most individuals age 45-49 preferred to receive screening information from a healthcare provider (57.5%); however, only 20% reported that a provider had initiated a screening conversation. We identified age-specific barriers to CRC screening and tailored messaging to motivate participation among unscreened Black people age ≥ 45. Findings informed the development of the NCCRT and ACS guidebook for organizations and institutions aiming to increase CRC screening participation in Black individuals.

Hyperlocal disparities in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening: An ecological study of social vulnerability in Miami-Dade county

Neighborhoods have been identified as important determinants of health-related outcomes, but limited research has assessed the influence of neighborhood context along the cancer continuum. This study used census tract-level data from the United States Census Bureau and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to characterize Miami-Dade County census tracts (n = 492) into social vulnerability clusters and assess their associated breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening participation rates. We identified disparities by social vulnerability cluster in cancer screening participation rates. Further investigation of geographic disparities in social vulnerability and cancer screening participation could inform equity-focused cancer control efforts.

Effectiveness and Cost of an Enhanced Mailed Fecal Test Outreach Colorectal Cancer Screening Program: Findings from the PROMPT Stepped-Wedge Trial.

Mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach can improve colorectal cancer screening rates, yet little is known about how to optimize these programs for effectiveness and cost. PROMPT was a pragmatic, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized effectiveness trial of mailed FIT outreach. Participants in the standard condition were mailed a FIT and received live telephone reminders to return it. Participants in the enhanced condition also received a tailored advance notification (text message or live phone call) and two automated phone call reminders. The primary outcome was 6-month FIT completion; secondary outcomes were any colorectal cancer screening completion at 6 months, implementation, and program costs. The study included 27,585 participants (80% ages 50-64, 82% Hispanic/Latino; 68% preferred Spanish). A higher proportion of enhanced participants completed FIT at 6 months than standard participants, both in intention-to-treat [+2.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI; 0.4-5.2)] and per-protocol [limited to individuals who were reached; +16.9%, 95% CI (12.3-20.3)] analyses. Text messages and automated calls were successfully delivered to 91% to 100% of participants. The per-patient cost for standard mailed FIT was $10.84. The enhanced program's text message plus automated call reminder cost an additional $0.66; live phone calls plus an automated call reminder cost an additional $10.82 per patient. Adding advance notifications and automated calls to a standard mailed FIT program boosted 6-month FIT completion rates at a small additional per-patient cost. Enhancements to mailed FIT outreach can improve colorectal cancer screening participation. Future research might test the addition of educational video messaging for screening-naïve adults.

Association Between Depression and Anxiety Status With Uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among US Adults: A Population-Level Study.

Individuals with different mental disorders tend to experience higher rates of colorectal cancer (CRC)-related mortality compared to the general population. Discrepancies in CRC screening behaviors have been suggested as a potential contributing factor to this difference in mortality. However, existing evidence on this topic has been inconclusive and conflicting. This study aims to explore the relationship between mental health status (specifically, depression and/or anxiety) and the uptake of CRC screening. To achieve this, a larger and nationally representative sample from the adult population of the United States was utilized. We employed a cross-sectional approach using data from the 2019-2020 edition of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). The study examined disparities in CRC screening between individuals with self-reported history of depression diagnosis and the general population. Chi-square tests were used for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to adjust for variables such as gender, age, education level, race, comorbidities, healthcare access, smoking status, household income, geographical residence, and insurance status. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. The findings of the study indicated that out of 5,398 eligible individuals, approximately 1,220 (weighted percentage: 22.8%) reported experiencing depression and/or anxiety, and approximately 4,154 (weighted percentage: 68.9%) reported adherence to colorectal cancer screening. In the bivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in participation in colorectal cancer screening between individuals with and without depression and/or anxiety (72.0% vs. 68.0%). Similarly, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors, the study found that the odds of participating in colorectal cancer screening did not vary based on an individual's depression status (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.94-1.91, P = 0.05). Individuals with depression participate in colorectal cancer screening at comparable rates to the general population. The findings of this study suggest that factors beyond CRC screening may play significant roles in the higher CRC-associated mortality rate. Therefore, further research is needed to uncover the various mechanisms contributing to the increased cancer-related mortality rates among susceptible populations.