Screening Colonoscopy Participation in Turkish Colorectal Cancer Patients and their First Degree Relatives

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to research the awareness of screening colonoscopy (SC) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and their relatives. Methodology: A questionnaire form including information and behavior about colonoscopic screening for CRCs of patients and their first-degree relatives (FDRs) was prepared. Results: A total of 406 CRC patients were enrolled into the study, with 1534 FDRs (siblings n: 1381 and parents n: 153) . Positive family history for CRC was found in 12% of the study population. Previous SC was performed in 11% of patients with CRC. Mean age of the patients whose FDRs underwent SC was lower than the patients whose FDRs did not (52 vs 57 years; p<0,001). The frequency of SC in FDRs was 64% in patients diagnosed CRC under 35 years of age. Persons having a positive family history of CRC had SC more often (51 vs 22%, p<0,001). FDRs of patients having a higher educational level and income had SC more frequently. Conclusions: When screening for CRC is planned, elderly subjects, those with family history for CRC, and those with low educational and lower income should be given esspecial attention in order that they be convinced to undergo screening for CRC.

How is the increased risk of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives of patients communicated?

“…The similarity of these data is an indication of its reliability. We found that a higher percentage of CRC patients were informed of their FDRs' increased CRC risk (80.6%) than in other studies (33-77.6%) [3,5,8,[19][20][21][22][23] Several factors might have influenced the high rate of informed CRC patients in our study. First, the flow of information is better in young index patients with CRC and in conditions with strong family togetherness [3,24,25].…”

Participation Rate and Related Factors in Colonoscopy Screening Program in First-Degree Relatives of Patients Affected by Colorectal Cancer

“…One study indicated age of diagnosis in patients below 35 years was an effective factor in relative's participation (24). An Australian study reported sibling with high level of education and income also private insurance are more volunteer to participate (25).…”

Implementation of Screening Colonoscopy amongst First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Turkey: a Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Based Survey

“…In a past study on FDRs of patients with CRC, it was reported that screening colonoscopies were performed only in 32% of parents (60.1% before the index case, 39.9% after the index case) and in 39% of siblings (31.7% before the index case, 68.3% after the index case) (Ruthotto et al, 2007). Data from a past study conducted with 1534 FDRs (1381 siblings and 153parents) of 406 patients with CRC in Turkey revealed that the frequency of screening colonoscopy in parents and siblings of the index patients was 9% and 20% after the diagnosis of CRC in the index patient, respectively, while 38% of the patients was aware of the increased risk for their FDRs (Kilickap et al, 2012).…”