title: [Main results of the colorectal cancer screening program in the Basque Country (Spain)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the procedures of the colorectal cancer screening program in the Basque Country (Spain), and the main results of the first rounds in 2009-2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a retrospective study of invitations to attend screening between 2009 and 2011. Participation rates and the number of positive results of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) were analyzed by sex and age group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 235.371 valid invitations (sent to the correct addresses), with an average participation rate of 64.3% (95%CI: 64.1-64.5%). Significant differences were found (p<0,001) between women (67.1%; 95%CI: 66.9-67.4) and men (61.4%; 95%CI: 61.1-61.7). The rate of positive FOBT results was higher (p<0,001) among men (9.1%; 95%CI: 8.9-9.2) than among women (4.8%; 95%CI: 4.7-4.9).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation rates were adequate compared with those in the reviewed literature. These rates were probably affected by the invitation strategy and by cultural and social factors.
authors: Centro Coordinador del Programa de Cribado de Cáncer Colorrectal, Organización Central de Osakidetza-Servicio Vasco de Salud, Bilbao, España. Misabel.portillovillares@osakidetza.net
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Portillo
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Idígoras
authors: Enrique
authors: E
authors: Ojembarrena
authors: Eunate
authors: E
authors: Arana-Arri
authors: Miren Begoña
authors: MB
authors: Zubero
authors: José Ignacio
authors: JI
authors: Pijoán
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: López Urrutia
authors: María Luz
authors: ML
authors: Marqués
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain
keywords: Colorectal cancer; Cribado poblacional; Cáncer colorrectal; Immunochemical fecal occult blood test; Participación; Participation; Prueba inmunoquímica de sangre oculta en heces; Screening