CT colonography may improve colorectal cancer screening compliance.
OBJECTIVE
While colonoscopy is currently the preferred test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, the invasive and time-consuming characteristics of the test are often cited as reasons for noncompliance with screening. CT colonography (CTC) is a less invasive screening method that is comparable to colonoscopy for the detection of advanced neoplasia. The aim of this project was to assess patient preferences between colonoscopy and CTC in an open access system.


METHODS
Two hundred fifty consecutive average-risk patients undergoing CRC screening completed a survey that assessed reasons for choosing CTC in lieu of colonoscopy, compliance with CRC screening if CTC was not offered, and which of the two tests they preferred.


RESULTS
The most common reasons for undergoing CTC included convenience (33.6%), recommendation by referring provider (13.2%), and perceived safety (10.8%). Had CTC not been an available option, 91 of the 250 patients (36%) would have foregone CRC screening. Among the 57 patients who had experienced both procedures, 95% (n = 54) preferred CTC.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings show the importance of providing CTC as an alternative screening option for CRC at our institution, which may increase CRC adherence screening rates.
Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA. Fouad.Moawad@amedd.army.mil
Fouad J
FJ
Moawad
Corinne L
CL
Maydonovitch
Priscilla A
PA
Cullen
Duncan S
DS
Barlow
Donald W
DW
Jenson
Brooks D
BD
Cash
D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States