9 research outputs found
Improving compliance to colorectal cancer screening using blood and stool based tests in patients refusing screening colonoscopy in Germany
Background Despite strong recommendations for colorectal cancer (CRC)
screening, participation rates are low. Understanding factors that affect
screening choices is essential to developing future screening strategies.
Therefore, this study assessed patient willingness to use non-invasive stool
or blood based screening tests after refusing colonoscopy. Methods
Participants were recruited during regular consultations. Demographic, health,
psychological and socioeconomic factors were recorded. All subjects were
advised to undergo screening by colonoscopy. Subjects who refused colonoscopy
were offered a choice of non-invasive tests. Subjects who selected stool
testing received a collection kit and instructions; subjects who selected
plasma testing had a blood draw during the office visit. Stool samples were
tested with the Hb/Hp Complex Elisa test, and blood samples were tested with
the Epi proColon® 2.0 test. Patients who were positive for either were advised
to have a diagnostic colonoscopy. Results 63 of 172 subjects were compliant to
screening colonoscopy (37%). 106 of the 109 subjects who refused colonoscopy
accepted an alternative non-invasive method (97%). 90 selected the Septin9
blood test (83%), 16 selected a stool test (15%) and 3 refused any test (3%).
Reasons for blood test preference included convenience of an office draw,
overall convenience and less time consuming procedure. Conclusions 97% of
subjects refusing colonoscopy accepted a non-invasive screening test of which
83% chose the Septin9 blood test. The observation that participation can be
increased by offering non-invasive tests, and that a blood test is the
preferred option should be validated in a prospective trial in the screening
setting
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