Home bowel cancer tests and informed choice--is current information sufficient?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the type of information that is available to purchasers of home-based bowel cancer test kits.


METHODS
Manufacturers, pharmacies and independent testing programs were contacted to obtain faecal occult blood test (FOBT) kits. State cancer organisations were contacted for information on bowel cancer screening. Information on bowel cancer, the FOBT kit, the testing process and potential benefits and harms of the screening process were assessed using guidelines provided by the UK General Medical Council (GMC).


RESULTS
FOBT kits and cancer organisation information provided adequate information on the purpose of screening, the screening process itself and potential benefits, but provided no information concerning uncertainties of screening or potential harms.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of both the UK GMC criteria and patient desires for information, the information available at present falls short of being considered adequate for an informed decision to purchase a home-based FOBT.


CONCLUSIONS
We must ensure adequate and balanced information is available to redress the present information asymmetry to facilitate informed participation in a potentially valuable public health initiative.
Howard
K
K
Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales. kirstenh@health.usyd.edu.au
Salkeld
G
G
D001315:Australia; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D009780:Occult Blood; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic