Participation in colorectal cancer screening with FOBT and colonoscopy: an Italian, multicentre, randomized population study.
BACKGROUND
Data on the adherence rate to screening colonoscopy (OC) in the average-risk general population are limited and variable. Aim of this study was to compare the uptake of OC screening with that of fecal occult blood (FOBT).


METHODS
A nationwide, population-based, multicentre, randomized trial comparing attendance to OC with that to FOBT was performed. Sixty-four general practitioners (GPs), overall including in their lists 9889 average-risk subjects aged 55-64 years, were randomized between OC and FOBT screening programs. Eligible subjects were mailed a personal invitation letter co-signed by their GP and the coordinator of the area-reference GI centre. Attendance rate and detection rate for advanced neoplasia (colorectal cancer, adenoma >10mm or with villous histology or high-grade dysplasia) for each arm of the study were assessed.


RESULTS
The overall attendance rate was 18.7% (1563/8378 eligible subjects). It was markedly lower in the OC than in the FOBT strategy (10% vs. 27.1%; OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.25-0.32; P<0.0001). In particular, participation in OC screening arm was extremely low in South Italy (2.8%), whilst it was higher in North-Central Italy (12.4%; P<0.0001). Compliance to colonoscopy in those with a positive FOBT was only 58%. Advanced neoplasia was detected in 28 (6.8%) patients in the OC arm and in 6 (18%) in those with a positive FOBT submitted to OC.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study underline the difficulties and barriers to implement a OC population screening in Italy, at least through primary care. Although attendance to FOBT was higher, it was disappointingly less than 30%. Significant actions to improve awareness amongst GPs and the population are a high priority.
Lisi
Daniele
D
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Service, ASL RmB - Poliamb. Don Bosco - Rome, Italy. dlisi@tiscali.it
Hassan
Cesare
C
Hassan
C Cesare
CC
Crespi
Massimo
M
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010821:Physicians, Family