Colon Cancer Screening Programs: Impact of an Organized Screening Strategy Assessed by the EDIFICE Surveys

Background The aim of EDIFICE surveys is to improve insight into the behavior of the French population with regard to cancer prevention and participation in screening programs. Via the colorectal cancer screening program, all average-risk individuals in the 50-74-year age group are invited every 2 years to do a guaiac-based or, since April 2015, an immunochemical fecal occult blood test. Methods The fifth edition of the nationwide observational survey was conducted by phone interviews using the quota method. A representative sample of 1299 individuals with no history of cancer (age, 50-74 years) was interviewed between 22 November and 7 December 2016. The present analysis focuses on minimum lifetime uptake of screening tests, compliance to recommended repeat-screening intervals, and reasons for non-participation. Results In 2016, 64% survey participants had been screened at least once and 38% had been screened in the previous 2 years, suggesting a trend towards increasing participation rates, particularly in the younger age categories and among men. The 2016 data also suggest that the newly implemented FIT-based screening program has been well perceived by the population. Up to one in four individuals cited ``no risk factors'' as the reason for not undergoing screening. This reveals ignorance of the fact that the colorectal cancer screening program actually targets all average-risk individuals in a given age group, without individual risk factors. Conclusion We suggest the next step should be dedicated to educational approaches to explain exactly what screening involves and to persuasive messages targeting those who to date have remained unreceptive to information campaigns

Awareness and Misconceptions of Breast Cancer Risk Factors Among Laypersons and Physicians

Background Primary prevention of cancer relies on awareness of and consequent identification of risk factors. We investigated knowledge of breast cancer risk factors not only among laywomen but also among female physicians. Methods The EDIFICE 4 nationwide observational survey was conducted by phone interviews of a representative female population (737 laywomen and 105 female physicians) aged 40-75 years, using the quotamethod. This analysis focuses on spontaneous replies to the question ``In your opinion, what are the five main risk factors that increase the risk of breast cancer?''. Results Heredity/Family history of breast cancer was the most widely recognized risk factor in both study populations (98.1% physicians vs. 54.2% laywomen; P <= 0.01). Smoking (19.0 and 17.5%) and alcohol consumption (3.8 and 5.5%) were among the lifestyle risk factors that were cited by similar proportions of physicians and laywomen, respectively. Other established risk factors were however very rarely cited by either physicians or laywomen, e.g., Exposure tomedical radiation (4.8 vs. 0.4%, respectively; P <= 0.05) or not cited at all, i. e., Benign mastopathy and Personal history of breast cancer. Conclusion This survey highlights a number of misconceptions relating to behavioral risk factors for breast cancer, including the relative impact of alcohol and tobacco consumption and the importance of menopausal status. The limited awareness of the risk related to Exposure to medical radiation, Benign mastopathy, or Personal history raises concern regarding compliance with national screening recommendations

Perception of Lung Cancer Risk: Impact of Smoking Status and Nicotine Dependence

Background The general population is nowadays well aware that tobacco smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing lung cancer. We hypothesized that a personal history of smoking and the level of nicotine dependence in current smokers may affect the perception of this risk among healthy individuals. Methods The fourth French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE 4, was conducted by telephone among a representative sample of individuals (N = 1602) aged between 40 and 75 years. Interviewees were asked about their smoking habits, perception of the risk of lung cancer, and nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom test). Results Regardless of their smoking status or level of nicotine dependence, the majority (96%) of our study population (N = 1463) acknowledged that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer. For 34% of all respondents, smoking <= 10 cigarettes per day does not carry any risk of lung cancer. Only half the current smokers considered themselves to be at higher risk of lung cancer than the average-risk population. The majority of current cigarette smokers with a nicotine dependence considered themselves to be at higher risk for lung cancer while only 37% of non-nicotine-dependent individuals had the same perception (P < 0.01). Current smokers were more likely to consider a screening examination than former smokers and never-smokers. However, the intention to undergo screening was not significantly affected by the level of nicotine dependence. Conclusions Awareness campaigns may first have to overcome misconceptions about light smoking and, secondly, to target specific populations (heavy smokers, those with a long history, highly dependent smokers)

Decline in compliance to breast cancer screening in France: Results of the 5th EDIFICE survey

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio, TX, DEC 05-09, 201

Decline in compliance to breast cancer screening in France: Results of the 5th EDIFICE survey

San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, San Antonio, TX, DEC 05-09, 201