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Petrik AF, Johnson ES, Slaughter M, Leo MC, Thompson J, Mummadi R, Jimenez R, Hussain S, Coronado G. The recalibration and redevelopment of a model to calculate patients' probability of completing a colonoscopy following an abnormal fecal test. J Med Screen 2024; 31:28-34. [PMID: 37661831 PMCID: PMC10909915 DOI: 10.1177/09691413231195568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is an effective screening tool for colorectal cancer. If an FIT is abnormal, a follow-up colonoscopy is necessary to remove polyps or find cancers. We sought to develop a usable risk prediction model to identify patients unlikely to complete a colonoscopy following an abnormal FIT test. METHODS We recalibrated and then redeveloped a prediction model in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), using a retrospective cohort of patients aged 50-75 with an abnormal FIT test and clinical data. Logistic and Cox regressions were used to recalibrate and then redevelop the model. RESULTS The initial risk model used data from eight FQHCs (26 clinics) including 1723 patients. When we applied the model to a single large FQHC (34 clinics, 884 eligible patients), the model did not recalibrate successfully (c-statistic dropped more than 0.05, from 0.66 to 0.61). The model was redeveloped in the same FQHC in a cohort of 1401 patients with a c-statistic of 0.65. CONCLUSIONS The original model developed in a group of FQHCs did not adequately recalibrate in the single large FQHC. Health system, patient characteristics or data differences may have led to the inability to recalibrate the model. However, the redeveloped model provides an adequate model for the single FQHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda F. Petrik
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | - Eric S. Johnson
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | - Matthew Slaughter
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michael C. Leo
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jamie Thompson
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | - Raj Mummadi
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Syed Hussain
- SeaMar Community Health Centers, Seattle, Washington
| | - Gloria Coronado
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon
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Toth JF, Trivedi M, Gupta S. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: The Role of Clinical Laboratories. Clin Chem 2024; 70:150-164. [PMID: 38175599 PMCID: PMC10952004 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality. Screening can result in reductions in incidence and mortality, but there are many challenges to uptake and follow-up. CONTENT Here, we will review the changing epidemiology of CRC, including increasing trends for early and later onset CRC; evidence to support current and emerging screening strategies, including noninvasive stool and blood-based tests; key challenges to ensuring uptake and high-quality screening; and the critical role that clinical laboratories can have in supporting health system and public health efforts to reduce the burden of CRC on the population. SUMMARY Clinical laboratories have the opportunity to play a seminal role in optimizing early detection and prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Toth
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mehul Trivedi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Samir Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Shareef F, Bharti B, Garcia-Bigley F, Hernandez M, Nodora J, Liu J, Ramers C, Nery JD, Marquez J, Moyano K, Rojas S, Arredondo E, Gupta S. Abnormal Colorectal Cancer Test Follow-Up: A Quality Improvement Initiative at a Federally Qualified Health Center. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241242571. [PMID: 38554066 PMCID: PMC10981848 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241242571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Colonoscopy completion rates after an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are suboptimal, resulting in missed opportunities for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Patient navigation and structured follow-up may improve colonoscopy completion, but implementation of these strategies is not widespread. METHODS We conducted a quality improvement study using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Model to increase colonoscopy completion after abnormal FIT in a large federally qualified health center serving a diverse and low-income population. Intervention components included patient navigation, and a checklist to promote completion of key steps required for abnormal FIT follow-up. Primary outcome was proportion of patients achieving colonoscopy completion within 6 months of abnormal FIT, assessed at baseline for 156 patients pre-intervention, and compared to 208 patients during the intervention period from April 2017 to December 2019. Drop offs at each step in the follow-up process were assessed. RESULTS Colonoscopy completion improved from 21% among 156 patients with abnormal FIT pre-intervention, to 38% among 208 patients with abnormal FIT during the intervention (P < .001; absolute increase: 17%, 95% CI: 6.9%-25.2%). Among the 130 non-completers during the intervention period, lack of completion was attributable to absence of colonoscopy referral for 7.7%; inability to schedule a pre-colonoscopy specialist visit for 71.5%; failure to complete a pre-colonoscopy visit for 2.3%; the absence of colonoscopy scheduling for 9.2%; failure to show for a scheduled colonoscopy for 9.2%. CONCLUSIONS Patient navigation and structured follow-up appear to improve colonoscopy completion after abnormal FIT. Additional strategies are needed to achieve optimal rates of completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faizah Shareef
- University of California San Diego (Internal Medicine), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Balambal Bharti
- University of California San Diego (Internal Medicine), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Jesse Nodora
- University of California San Diego (Radiation Medicine), La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- Shang Consulting LLC, San Diego CA, USA
| | - Christian Ramers
- Family Health Centers of San Diego (Graduate Medical Education), San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Karina Moyano
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Samir Gupta
- University of California San Diego (Internal Medicine), La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
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O'Leary MC, Reuland DS, Randolph C, Ferrari RM, Brenner AT, Wheeler SB, Farr DE, Newcomer MK, Crockett SD. Reach and effectiveness of a centralized navigation program for patients with positive fecal immunochemical tests requiring follow-up colonoscopy. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102211. [PMID: 37214164 PMCID: PMC10196769 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Completion rates for follow-up colonoscopies after an abnormal fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are suboptimal in federally qualified health center (FQHC) settings. We implemented a screening intervention that included mailed FIT outreach to North Carolina FQHC patients from June 2020 to September 2021 and centralized patient navigation to support patients with abnormal FITs in completing follow-up colonoscopy. We evaluated the reach and effectiveness of navigation using electronic medical record data and navigator call logs detailing interactions with patients. Reach assessments included the proportion of patients successfully contacted by phone and who agreed to participate in navigation, intensity of navigation provided (including types of barriers to colonoscopy identified and total navigation time), and differences in these measures by socio-demographic characteristics. Effectiveness outcomes included colonoscopy completion, timeliness of follow-up colonoscopy (i.e., within 9 months), and bowel prep adequacy. Among 514 patients who completed a mailed FIT, 38 patients had an abnormal result and were eligible for navigation. Of these, 26 (68%) accepted navigation, 7 (18%) declined, and 5 (13%) could not be contacted. Among navigated patients, 81% had informational needs, 38% had emotional barriers, 35% had financial barriers, 12% had transportation barriers, and 42% had multiple barriers to colonoscopy. Median navigation time was 48.5 min (range: 24-277 min). Colonoscopy completion differed across groups - 92% of those accepting navigation completed colonoscopy within 9 months, versus 43% for those declining navigation. We found that centralized navigation was widely accepted in FQHC patients with abnormal FIT, and was an effective strategy, resulting in high colonoscopy completion rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan C. O'Leary
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daniel S. Reuland
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Connor Randolph
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Renée M. Ferrari
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Alison T. Brenner
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie B. Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deeonna E. Farr
- College of Health and Human Performance, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | | | - Seth D. Crockett
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Chan FKL, Wong MCS, Chan AT, East JE, Chiu HM, Makharia GK, Weller D, Ooi CJ, Limsrivilai J, Saito Y, Hang DV, Emery JD, Makmun D, Wu K, Ali RAR, Ng SC. Joint Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE)-Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE) clinical practice guidelines on the use of non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia. Gut 2023:gutjnl-2023-329429. [PMID: 37019620 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is effective in reducing CRC related mortality. Current screening methods include endoscopy based and biomarker based approaches. This guideline is a joint official statement of the Asian Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and the Asian Pacific Society of Digestive Endoscopy (APSDE), developed in response to the increasing use of, and accumulating supportive evidence for the role of, non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of CRC and its precursor lesions. A systematic review of 678 publications and a two stage Delphi consensus process involving 16 clinicians in various disciplines was undertaken to develop 32 evidence based and expert opinion based recommendations for the use of faecal immunochemical tests, faecal based tumour biomarkers or microbial biomarkers, and blood based tumour biomarkers for the detection of CRC and adenoma. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided on indications, patient selection and strengths and limitations of each screening tool. Future research to inform clinical applications are discussed alongside objective measurement of research priorities. This joint APAGE-APSDE practice guideline is intended to provide an up-to-date guide to assist clinicians worldwide in utilising non-invasive biomarkers for CRC screening; it has particular salience for clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis K L Chan
- Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Martin C S Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Andrew T Chan
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James E East
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Healthcare, London, UK
| | - Han-Mo Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Govind K Makharia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - David Weller
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Julajak Limsrivilai
- Internal Medicine, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yutaka Saito
- Endoscopy Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dao V Hang
- Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jon D Emery
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kaichun Wu
- Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Xian, China
| | | | - Siew C Ng
- Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
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Fendrick AM, Lieberman D, Vahdat V, Chen JV, Ozbay AB, Limburg PJ. Cost-Effectiveness of Waiving Coinsurance for Follow-Up Colonoscopy after a Positive Stool-Based Colorectal Screening Test in a Medicare Population. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2022; 15:653-660. [PMID: 35768200 PMCID: PMC9530644 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-22-0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Commercial insurance covers a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive colorectal cancer-screening test with no patient cost-sharing. Instituting a similar policy for Medicare beneficiaries may increase screening adherence and improve outcomes. The cost-effectiveness of stool-based colorectal cancer screening was compared across adherence scenarios that assumed Medicare coinsurance status quo (20% for follow-up colonoscopy) or waived coinsurance. The CRC-AIM model simulated previously unscreened eligible Medicare beneficiaries undergoing stool-based colorectal cancer screening at age 65 for 10 years. Medicare costs, colorectal cancer cases, colorectal cancer-related deaths, life-years gained (LYG), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) were estimated versus no screening. Scenario 1 (S1) assumed 20% coinsurance for follow-up colonoscopy. Scenario 2 (S2) assumed waived coinsurance without adherence changes. Scenarios 3-7 (S3-S7) assumed that waiving coinsurance increased real-world stool-based screening and/or follow-up colonoscopy adherence by 5% or 10%. Sensitivity analyses assumed 1%-4% increased adherence. Cost-effectiveness threshold was ≤$100,000/QALY. Waiving coinsurance without adherence changes (S2) did not affect outcomes versus S1. S3-S7 versus S1 over 10 years estimated up to 3.6 fewer colorectal cancer cases/1,000 individuals, up to 2.1 fewer colorectal cancer deaths, up to 20.7 more LYG, and had comparable total costs per-patient (≤$6,478 vs. $6,449, respectively) as reduced colorectal cancer medical costs offset increased screening and colonoscopy costs. In sensitivity analyses, any increase in adherence after waiving coinsurance was cost-effective and increased LYG. In simulated Medicare beneficiaries, waiving coinsurance for follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based test improved outcomes and was cost-effective when assumed to modestly increase colorectal cancer screening and/or follow-up colonoscopy adherence. PREVENTION RELEVANCE Follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based test is necessary to complete the colorectal cancer-screening process. This analysis demonstrated that in a simulated Medicare population, waiving coinsurance for a follow-up colonoscopy improved estimated outcomes and was cost-effective when it was assumed that waiving the coinsurance modestly increased screening adherence. See related Spotlight, p. 641.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mark Fendrick
- Division of General Medicine, Departments of Internal Medicine and Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Corresponding Author: A. Mark Fendrick, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Building 16/4th floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Phone: 734-647-9688; Fax: 734-936-8944;
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | | | | | | | - Paul J. Limburg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Fendrick AM, Fisher DA, Saoud L, Ozbay AB, Karlitz JJ, Limburg PJ. Impact of Patient Adherence to Stool-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening and Colonoscopy Following a Positive Test on Clinical Outcomes. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2021; 14:845-850. [PMID: 34021023 PMCID: PMC8974412 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-21-0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer-screening models commonly assume 100% adherence, which is inconsistent with real-world experience. The influence of adherence to initial stool-based screening [fecal immunochemical test (FIT), multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA)] and follow-up colonoscopy (after a positive stool test) on colorectal cancer outcomes was modeled using the Colorectal Cancer and Adenoma Incidence and Mortality Microsimulation Model. Average-risk individuals without diagnosed colorectal cancer at age 40 undergoing annual FIT or triennial mt-sDNA screening from ages 50 to 75 were simulated. Primary analyses incorporated published mt-sDNA (71%) or FIT (43%) screening adherence, with follow-up colonoscopy adherence ranging from 40% to 100%. Secondary analyses simulated 100% adherence for stool-based screening and colonoscopy follow-up (S1), published adherence for stool-based screening with 100% adherence to colonoscopy follow-up (S2), and published adherence for both stool-based screening and colonoscopy follow-up after positive mt-sDNA (73%) or FIT (47%; S3). Outcomes were life-years gained (LYG) and colorectal cancer incidence and mortality reductions (per 1,000 individuals) versus no screening. Adherence to colonoscopy follow-up after FIT had to be 4%-13% higher than mt-sDNA to reach equivalent LYG. The theoretical S1 favored FIT versus mt-sDNA (LYG 316 vs. 297; colorectal cancer incidence reduction 68% vs. 64%; colorectal cancer mortality reduction 76% vs. 72%). The more realistic S2 and S3 favored mt-sDNA versus FIT (S2: LYG 284 vs. 245, colorectal cancer incidence reduction 61% vs. 50%, colorectal cancer mortality reduction 69% vs. 59%; S3: LYG 203 vs. 113, colorectal cancer incidence reduction 43% vs. 23%, colorectal cancer mortality reduction 49% vs. 27%, respectively). Incorporating realistic adherence rates for colorectal cancer screening influences modeled outcomes and should be considered when assessing comparative effectiveness. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Adherence rates for initial colorectal cancer screening by FIT or mt-sDNA and for colonoscopy follow-up of a positive initial test influence the comparative effectiveness of these screening strategies. Using adherence rates based on published data for stool-based testing and colonoscopy follow-up yielded superior outcomes with an mt-sDNA versus FIT-screening strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mark Fendrick
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Corresponding Author: A. Mark Fendrick, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16/4th floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Phone: 734-647-9688; Fax: 734-936-8944; E-mail:
| | - Deborah A. Fisher
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Leila Saoud
- Exact Sciences Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin
| | | | - Jordan J. Karlitz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
| | - Paul J. Limburg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Smith RA, Fedewa S, Siegel R. Early colorectal cancer detection-Current and evolving challenges in evidence, guidelines, policy, and practices. Adv Cancer Res 2021; 151:69-107. [PMID: 34148621 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The understanding at the beginning of the last century that colorectal cancer began as a localized disease that progressed and became systemic, and that most colorectal cancer arose from adenomatous polyps gave rise to aggressive attempts at curative treatment and eventually attempts to detect advanced lesions before they progressed to invasive disease. In the last four decades, steadily greater uptake of screening has led to reductions in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. However, the fullest potential of screening is not being met due to the lack of organized screening, where a systems approach could lead to higher rates of screening of average and high risk groups, higher quality screening, and prompt followup of adults with positive screening tests. ABSTRACT: Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a general understanding that colorectal cancer is a clonal disease that progresses from a localized stage with a favorable prognosis through progressively more advanced stages which have progressively worse prognosis. That understanding led first to determined efforts to detect and treat early stage symptomatic disease, and then to detect pre-symptomatic colorectal cancer and precursor lesions, where there was hope that the natural history of the disease could be arrested and the incidence and premature mortality of colorectal cancer averted. Toward the end of the last century, guidelines for colorectal cancer screening, growth in the number of technical options for screening, and a steady increase in the proportion of the adult population who attended screening contributed to the beginning of a significant decline in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Despite this progress, colorectal cancer remains the third leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Screening for early detection of precursor lesions and localized cancer offers the single most productive opportunity to further reduce the burden of disease, and yet nearly four in five deaths from colorectal cancer are associated with having never been screened, not recently screened, or not followed up for an abnormal screening test. This simple observation is a call to action in all communities to apply existing knowledge to fulfill the potential to prevent avertable incidence and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Smith
- Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Stacey Fedewa
- Screening and Risk Factors Research, Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rebecca Siegel
- Surveillance Research, Surveillance and Health Equity Science Department, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States
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