A comparative study of faecal occult blood kits in a colorectal cancer screening program in a cohort of healthy construction workers.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been increasing. We evaluated uptake rates and outcomes of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) and Guaiac test (gFOBT) kits as part of a two-step CRC screening.


METHODS
A 3-year CRC screening program for a defined population of construction workers was conducted. Those satisfying the inclusion criteria were provided with gFOBT or FIT kits. Individuals testing positive were invited for a colonoscopy.


RESULTS
A total of 909 faecal testing kits were distributed. Age range was 53-60 years. Compliance rate was higher for FIT (58.3%) as compared to gFOBT (46.7%) (p = 0.0006). FIT detected adenomatous polyps and CRC in 37.5 and 25%, respectively, whereas; gFOBT detected 23.5 and 18%. Colonoscopies were normal in 53 and 25% tested positive by gFOBT and FIT, respectively (p = 0.016).


CONCLUSIONS
The FIT was more cost-effective when compared with gFOBT with higher return rate, sensitivity and specificity. A comparative study of faecal occult blood kits in a CRC screening program in a healthy cohort of construction workers.
Department of Gastroenterology/Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland. shuhaibm@tcd.ie
M
M
Shuhaibar
C
C
Walsh
F
F
Lindsay
N
N
Lee
P
P
Walsh
P
P
O'Gorman
G
G
Boran
R
R
McLoughlin
A
A
Qasim
N
N
Breslin
B
B
Ryan
H
H
O'Connor
C
C
O'Morain
D015331:Cohort Studies; D003082:Colectomy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D006138:Guaiac; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D016272:Occupational Health
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D006138:Guaiac