A comparison of the acceptance of immunochemical faecal occult blood test and colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screening: a prospective study among Chinese

Abstract

SUMMARY BackgroundPreferences to choose immunochemical faecal occult blood test (FIT) and colonoscopy as colorectal cancer (CRC) screening modalities among asymptomatic Chinese subjects remain unknown.

Patient attitudes towards faecal immunochemical testing for haemoglobin as an alternative to colonoscopic surveillance of groups at increased risk of colorectal cancer

“…One study found that average risk patients who were concerned about procedural discomfort were more likely to choose FIT over colonoscopy as a screening modality, and FIT completion rates were higher than colonoscopy attendance rates 21 , a finding supported in a recent randomized control trial. 22 To our knowledge, there is currently no research examining the acceptability of FIT as a surveillance modality among people at increased risk of CRC.…”

“…Previous research on individuals at average risk of CRC found that those who were concerned about procedural discomfort in CRC screening preferred FIT over colonoscopy 21 , however, participants were not provided with information on test frequency. In the current study, participants were provided with information on both procedural discomfort and test frequency.…”

An updated Asia Pacific Consensus Recommendations on colorectal cancer screening

“…On the other hand, the cost of colonoscopy and its invasive nature is prohibitive for those who are unwilling to pay for the examination and for some elderly subjects 70 71. One way to reduce the cost and the workload of CRC screening by colonoscopy is to adopt a stratified approach.…”

A validated tool to predict colorectal neoplasia and inform screening choice for asymptomatic subjects

“…We have previously studied the preference of receiving FOBT versus colonoscopy among asymptomatic subjects in a community screening centre7 and the factors associated with their change in choice between these two screening tests 8. It was found that participant demography and health beliefs had a strong influence on their choice of CRC screening method.…”

“…It was found that participant demography and health beliefs had a strong influence on their choice of CRC screening method. In addition, the self-perception of the risks for CRC was demonstrated to be a significant factor influencing a change in their choice between FOBT and colonoscopy, when a change was allowed 7 8. Screening participants who changed their choice of screening tool, or who regretted not having chosen the most preferred tests, were less likely to be compliant with the screening programme over time.…”