A recipe for increased colorectal cancer screening rates

August 14, 2012 in Cancer

Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is cost-effective and saves lives by early detection. The ability to screen large numbers of individuals is especially important for states with tight health insurance budgets dealing with aging populations. However, in 2010 only 65 percent of US adults between ages 50 and 75 got the recommended screening. A University of Colorado Cancer Center study recently published in the American Journal of Managed Care demonstrates a systematic approach to improve screening rates.

"With an introductory phone call and then mailed testing kits, we saw CRC jump from 47 to 72 percent in three years. Those who were exposed to the outreach were almost four times more likely to screen," says Karin Kempe, MD, MPH, recent director of clinical prevention at Kaiser Permanente Colorado, a CU Cancer Center consortium partner.

Kempe and colleagues mailed 58,800 fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) to low-risk Kaiser members who were not up to date on screening for colorectal cancer. Members could either complete the at home and mail it back or request colonoscopy through their provider. Of these hard-to-convince patients, 26,003 completed screening with FIT or colonoscopy. The increase in screening rates was especially high in those without recent primary or visits, suggesting that the protocol reached patients who may have been unaware of or who were not previously engaged in preventive care.

"What's especially exciting is that this first test seemed to be a foot in the door to further screening," Kempe says. Patients screened first through this study tended to migrate over time into the screening program.

Still, "while those groups that usually have lower rates of screening, such as African Americans or Latinos, did improve, their response was less than the in the white and . Our current efforts are aimed at tailored interventions to increase screening rates in these groups," Kempe adds.

"Along with colleagues Holly Wolf, PhD, MSPH and Tim Byers, MD, MPH, the American Cancer Society and the Colorado Colorectal Screening Task Force, we've been strong advocates for improving screening rates in Colorado. And, in fact, Colorado has been steadily improving in CRC screening," Kempe says. "But continued effort and investment in this area is definitely required."

There are prerequisites for instituting a system like this, says Kempe, including strategies to identify low risk members appropriate for FIT, and the ability to track and manage the results of a massive number of screening kits. But results of the current study indicate that, done carefully, a protocol of phone calls and mailed kits can increase colorectal cancer screening, likely resulting in lower costs and better medical outcomes for program participants.

Provided by University of Colorado Denver search and more info website

5 /5 (1 vote)  

Rank 5 /5 (1 vote)
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

New fluorescent tools for cancer diagnosis

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs are small molecules that help control the expression of specific proteins. In recent years they have emerged as disease biomarkers. miRNA profiles have been used ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Modulating the immune system to combat metastatic cancer

Cancer cells spread and grow by avoiding detection and destruction by the immune system. Stimulation of the immune system can help to eliminate cancer cells; however, there are many factors that cause the immune system to ...

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Scientists put bowel cancer under the microscope

Researchers from London's Kingston University have begun a two-year study which could help prolong the lives of people with colorectal tumours.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Researcher identifies breast cancer fighting hormone

Transformative research from Western University has identified new hormones in the body which may suppress breast cancer and stimulate the regression of breast tumors.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Ground breaking cancer research finds immune system link

(Medical Xpress)—Curtin University researchers have found evidence that targeting specific cells in the body can reverse the effects of cancer on the immune system.

Cancer created May 24, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0


Seniors more likely to crash when driving with pet, study finds

(HealthDay)—Animals make great companions for senior citizens, but elderly people who always drive with a pet in the car are far more likely to crash than those who never drive with a pet, researchers have ...

First drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade

Coenzyme Q10 decreases all cause mortality by half, according to the results of a multicentre randomised double blind trial presented today at Heart Failure 2013 congress. It is the first drug to improve heart failure mortality ...

Heart failure accelerates male 'menopause'

Heart failure accelerates the aging process and brings on early andropausal syndrome (AS), according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. AS, also referred to as male 'menopause', was four times ...

Death highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight

Mortality and length of stay are highest in heart failure patients admitted in January, on Friday, and overnight, according to research presented today at the Heart Failure Congress 2013. The analysis of nearly 1 million ...

Feds fight morning-after pill age ruling in NY

(AP)—Department of Justice lawyers have again asked a federal appeals court in New York to delay lifting age restrictions and prescription requirements on an emergency contraceptive popularly known as the morning-after ...

New immune system discovered

(Medical Xpress)—A research team, led by Jeremy Barr, a biology post-doctoral fellow, unveils a new immune system that protects humans and animals from infection.