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Repeat participation in colorectal cancer screening utilizing fecal occult blood testing: A community‐based project in a rural setting
Author(s) -
Janda Monika,
Hughes Karen L,
Auster Josephine F,
Leggett Barbara A,
Newman Beth M
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06405.x
Subject(s) - medicine , colonoscopy , fecal occult blood , colorectal cancer , logistic regression , family medicine , cancer screening , family history , colorectal cancer screening , gerontology , cancer
Background and Aim: To investigate participation in a second round of colorectal cancer screening using a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in an Australian rural community, and to assess the demographic characteristics and individual perspectives associated with repeat screening. Methods: Potential participants from round 1 (50–74 years of age) were sent an intervention package and asked to return a completed FOBT ( n = 3406). Doctors of participants testing positive referred to colonoscopy as appropriate. Following screening, 119 participants completed qualitative telephone interviews. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between round‐2 participation and other variables. Results: Round‐2 participation was 34.7%; the strongest predictor was participation in round 1. Repeat participants were more likely to be female; inconsistent screeners were more likely to be younger (aged 50–59 years). The proportion of positive FOBT was 12.7%, that of colonoscopy compliance was 98.6%, and the positive predictive value for cancer or adenoma of advanced pathology was 23.9%. Reasons for participation included testing as a precautionary measure or having family history/friends with colorectal cancer; reasons for non‐participation included apathy or doctors' advice against screening. Conclusion: Participation was relatively low and consistent across rounds. Unless suitable strategies are identified to overcome behavioral trends and/or to screen out ineligible participants, little change in overall participation rates can be expected across rounds.