1
|
Digby J, Fraser CG, Clark G, Mowat C, Strachan JA, Steele RJC. Improved use of faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin in the Scottish bowel screening programme. J Med Screen 2023; 30:184-190. [PMID: 37229658 PMCID: PMC10629250 DOI: 10.1177/09691413231175611] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop a risk-scoring model in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme incorporating faecal haemoglobin concentration with other risk factors for colorectal cancer. METHODS Data were collected for all individuals invited to participate in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme between November 2017 and March 2018 including faecal haemoglobin concentration, age, sex, National Health Service Board, socioeconomic status, and screening history. Linkage with The Scottish Cancer Registry identified all screening participants diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Logistic regression was performed to identify which factors demonstrated significant association with colorectal cancer and could be used in the development of a risk-scoring model. RESULTS Of 232,076 screening participants, 427 had colorectal cancer: 286 diagnosed following a screening colonoscopy and 141 arising after a negative screening test result giving an interval cancer proportion of 33.0%. Only faecal haemoglobin concentration and age showed a statistically significant association with colorectal cancer. Interval cancer proportion increased with age and was higher in women (38.1%) than men (27.5%). If positivity in women were mirrored in men at each age quintile interval cancer proportion would still have remained higher in women (33.2%). Moreover, an additional 1201 colonoscopies would be required to detect 11 colorectal cancers. CONCLUSIONS Development of a risk scoring model using early data from the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme was not feasible due to most variables showing insignificant association with colorectal cancer. Tailoring the faecal haemoglobin concentration threshold according to age could help to diminish some of the disparity in interval cancer proportion between women and men. Strategies to achieve sex equality using faecal haemoglobin concentration thresholds depend considerably on which variable is selected for equivalency and this requires further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Digby
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Gavin Clark
- Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Craig Mowat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Judith A Strachan
- Blood Sciences and Scottish Bowel Screening Laboratory, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert JC Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fraser CG. Faecal haemoglobin: Measurement, applications, and future potential. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 66:101833. [PMID: 37852705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Faecal hemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) can be quantitated using faecal immunochemical test for haemoglobin (FIT) analytical systems. FIT are of proven value and widely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Several factors affect f-Hb including sex, age, deprivation, geographical region, and FIT system. Thus, FIT data may not be transferable. Women are disadvantaged in programmes using a single f-Hb threshold for all participants, but risk scoring or sex stratified thresholds could be used to minimise this problem. In addition, low but detectable f-Hb, below the threshold, implies future risk of CRC. In several countries, where colonoscopy resources are constrained, FIT are now accepted as of added value in assessment of patients presenting in primary or secondary care with symptoms, although some serious colorectal disease is missed. Elevated f-Hb in the absence of any discernible colorectal lesions is common and has been found in several diseases with a systemic inflammatory component, including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, neuropsychological, blood and endocrine diseases, and others. There is growing evidence for the value of f-Hb in post-polypectomy surveillance, potentially saving costs and colonoscopy. There may be a role for FIT systems which have lower limits of detection than currently available methods. The faecal material remaining in FIT specimen collection devices could be used for further studies, including assessment of the microbiome. The estimation of f-Hb is now a mature investigative tool but further research will undoubtedly expand applications of value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kaalby L, Deding U, Al-Najami I, Berg-Beckhoff G, Bjørsum-Meyer T, Laurberg T, Shaukat A, Steele RJC, Koulaouzidis A, Rasmussen M, Kobaek-Larsen M, Baatrup G. Faecal haemoglobin concentrations are associated with all-cause mortality and cause of death in colorectal cancer screening. BMC Med 2023; 21:29. [PMID: 36691009 PMCID: PMC9872406 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces all-cause and CRC-related mortality. New research demonstrates that the faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) may indicate the presence of other serious diseases not related to CRC. We investigated the association between f-Hb, measured by a faecal immunochemical test (FIT), and both all-cause mortality and cause of death in a population-wide cohort of screening participants. METHODS Between 2014 and 2018, 1,262,165 participants submitted a FIT for the Danish CRC screening programme. We followed these participants, using the Danish CRC Screening Database and several other national registers on health and population, until December 31, 2018. We stratified participants by f-Hb and compared them using a Cox proportional hazards regression on all-cause mortality and cause of death reported as adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). We adjusted for several covariates, including comorbidity, socioeconomic factors, demography and prescription medication. RESULTS We observed 21,847 deaths in the study period. Our multivariate analyses indicated an association relationship between increasing f-Hb and the risk of dying in the study period. This risk increased steadily from aHR 1.38 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.44) in those with a f-Hb of 7.1-11.9 μg Hb/g faeces to 2.20 (95% CI: 2.10, 2.30) in those with a f-Hb ≥60.0 μg Hb/g faeces, when compared to those with a f-Hb ≤7.0 μg Hb/g faeces. The pattern remained when excluding CRC from the analysis. Similar patterns were observed between incrementally increasing f-Hb and the risk of dying from respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and cancers other than CRC. Furthermore, we observed an increased risk of dying from CRC with increasing f-Hb. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the hypothesis that f-Hb may indicate an elevated risk of having chronic conditions if causes for the bleeding have not been identified. The mechanisms still need to be established, but f-Hb may be a potential biomarker for several non-CRC diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Kaalby
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Ulrik Deding
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Issam Al-Najami
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Gabriele Berg-Beckhoff
- Unit for Health Promotion Research, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
- Unit for Health Research, Hospital South West Jutland, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Thomas Bjørsum-Meyer
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tinne Laurberg
- Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aasma Shaukat
- GI Section, Minneapolis VA Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology NYU Langone, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Robert J C Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Anastasios Koulaouzidis
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Morten Rasmussen
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg University Hospital, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Kobaek-Larsen
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Baatrup
- Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clark GRC, Steele RJC, Fraser CG. Strategies to minimise the current disadvantages experienced by women in faecal immunochemical test-based colorectal cancer screening. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 60:1496-1505. [PMID: 35848100 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, women are disadvantaged compared to men in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, particularly in programmes that use faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin (FIT) followed by colonoscopy. Although there is no single cause for all the known disadvantages, many can be attributed to the ubiquitous finding that women have lower faecal haemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) than men; there are many plausible reasons for this. Generally, a single f-Hb threshold is used in CRC screening programmes, leading to lower positivity for women than men, which causes poorer outcomes for women, including lower CRC detection rate, higher interval cancer (IC) proportion, and higher CRC mortality. Many of the now widely advocated risk scoring strategies do include factors taking account of sex, but these have not been extensively piloted or introduced. Using different f-Hb thresholds for the sexes seems advantageous, but there are difficulties, including deciding which characteristic should be selected to achieve equivalency, for example, positivity, IC proportions, or specificity. Moreover, additional colonoscopy resources, often constrained, would be required. Governments and their agencies should be encouraged to prioritise the allocation of resources to put simple strategies into practice, such as different f-Hb thresholds to create equal positivity in both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin R C Clark
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert J C Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Clark GRC, Steele RJC, Fraser CG. Do faecal test-based colorectal cancer screening pilots provide data that are reflected in subsequent programmes? Evidence from interval cancer proportions. Ann Clin Biochem 2022; 59:450-452. [PMID: 36031942 PMCID: PMC9634330 DOI: 10.1177/00045632221119714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective Guidelines on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with guaiac faecal occult
blood tests (gFOBTs) and faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) include the need
for a pilot before a programme is introduced. Interval cancers (ICs),
cancers arising after a negative screening test result but before the next
scheduled invite, are important indicators of programme quality. Our aim was
to compare IC in the gFOBT-based Scottish Bowel Screening Programme (SBoSP),
a FIT-based pilot, and the FIT-based SBoSP, to assess if the pilot provided
data that was reflected in the subsequent programme. Design The IC proportions (ICPs) data ([IC/(IC + screen detected CRC)] x 100) from
the penultimate year of the gFOBT-based SBoSP, the 6-month pilot and the
first year of the FIT-based SBoSP were compared. To ensure appropriate
comparison, these data were only from the two pilot NHS Boards. Results For all participants, and females and males, the ICPs were very similar in
the gFOBT-based SBoSP and the pilot. The faecal haemoglobin concentration
(f-Hb) threshold for the pilot was set at ≥80 μg Hb/g faeces. However, in
marked contrast, in the FIT-based SBoSP, at the same threshold, the ICPs
were lower. In all three groups, the ICPs were higher in females than in
males. Conclusions Data on variables in pilots, including ICP, can be informative, but only if
variables such as FIT system are held consistent between pilot and
programme. Lowering the f-Hb threshold for females to give the same ICP as
males might be a strategy to minimise sex inequality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert JC Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Clark GR, Fraser CG, Strachan JA, Steele RJ. Comparison with first round findings of faecal haemoglobin concentrations and clinical outcomes in the second round of a biennial faecal immunochemical test based colorectal cancer screening programme. J Med Screen 2022; 29:249-254. [PMID: 35747907 PMCID: PMC9574424 DOI: 10.1177/09691413221110012] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective How faecal haemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) vary from one round to the next
in a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme, and relate to colonoscopy
findings, are unknown. Our aim was to use data from the first two rounds of
the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) based Scottish Bowel Screening
Programme (SBoSP) to explore these issues. Methods Faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) percentiles in the second round were
compared with those in the first when the first round yielded a negative FIT
result (<80 µg Hb/g faeces), a positive FIT but no colonoscopy, CRC, all
adenoma, and a negative colonoscopy. In addition, the outcomes in the first
and second rounds were compared. Results The profiles of f-Hb in the first and second rounds differed in (a) those who
had had a negative FIT result in the first round and (b) those in whom
neoplastic pathology had been found. In contrast, the pattern of difference
between profiles in those who had had a negative colonoscopy was very
similar to that in those in whom an adenoma had been found. In addition, the
risk of CRC being diagnosed in the second round after a negative colonoscopy
in the first was 3.0%, not very different to that after a negative test
result (4.9%). Conclusions Adenomas may be rarely the cause of a positive FIT result. An alternative
explanation as to why these are detected using FIT is required. In addition,
a negative colonoscopy for a positive FIT result does not rule out the
finding of significant neoplastic pathology in the next round.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, UK
| | - Judith A Strachan
- Blood Sciences and Scottish Bowel Screening Laboratory, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Jc Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jain S, Maque J, Galoosian A, Osuna-Garcia A, May FP. Optimal Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:474-493. [PMID: 35316477 PMCID: PMC8989803 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00962-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Colorectal cancer (CRC) imposes significant morbidity and mortality, yet it is also largely preventable with evidence-based screening strategies. In May 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force updated guidance, recommending screening begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals to reduce CRC incidence and mortality in the United States (US). The Task Force recommends screening with one of several screening strategies: high-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood test (HSgFOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test, computed tomographic (CT) colonography (virtual colonoscopy), flexible sigmoidoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy with FIT, or traditional colonoscopy. In addition to these recommended options, there are several emerging and novel CRC screening modalities that are not yet approved for first-line screening in average-risk individuals. These include blood-based screening or "liquid biopsy," colon capsule endoscopy, urinary metabolomics, and stool-based microbiome testing for the detection of colorectal polyps and/or CRC. In order to maximize CRC screening uptake in the US, patients and providers should engage in informed decision-making about the benefits and limitations of recommended screening options to determine the most appropriate screening test. Factors to consider include the invasiveness of the test, test performance, screening interval, accessibility, and cost. In addition, health systems should have a programmatic approach to CRC screening, which may include evidence-based strategies such as patient education, provider education, mailed screening outreach, and/or patient navigation, to maximize screening participation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shailavi Jain
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Jetrina Maque
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Artin Galoosian
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 650 S. Charles E Young Drive, Center for Health Sciences, Suite A2-125, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6900 USA
| | - Antonia Osuna-Garcia
- Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library, University of California, Los Angeles, Center for Health Sciences, 12-077, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1798 USA
| | - Folasade P. May
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 650 S. Charles E Young Drive, Center for Health Sciences, Suite A2-125, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6900 USA
- Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA USA
- UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Equity, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 650 S. Charles E Young Drive, Center for Health Sciences, Suite A2-125, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6900 USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Johnstone MS, Miller G, Pang G, Burton P, Kourounis G, Winter J, Crighton E, Mansouri D, Witherspoon P, Smith K, McSorley ST. Alternative diagnoses and demographics associated with a raised quantitative faecal immunochemical test in symptomatic patients. Ann Clin Biochem 2022; 59:277-287. [PMID: 35044264 PMCID: PMC9280700 DOI: 10.1177/00045632221076771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) has proven utility for colorectal cancer
detection in symptomatic patients. However, most patients with a raised
faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) do not have colorectal cancer. We investigated
alternative diagnoses and demographics associated with a raised f-Hb in
symptomatic patients. Methods A retrospective, observational study was performed of patients with FIT
submitted between August 2018 to January 2019 in NHS Greater Glasgow and
Clyde followed by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy/pathology reports were searched
for alternative diagnoses. Covariables were compared using the χ2 test. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent
predictors of a raised f-Hb. Results 1272 patients were included. In addition to colorectal cancer (odds ratio
(OR), 9.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.61–23.83; p
< 0.001)), older age (OR, 1.52 (95% CI: 1.00–2.32; p =
0.05)), deprivation (OR, 1.54 (95% CI: 1.21–1.94; p <
0.001)), oral anticoagulants (OR, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.01–3.15;
p = 0.046)), rectal bleeding (OR, 1.47 (95% CI:
1.15–1.88; p = 0.002)), advanced adenoma (OR, 7.52 (95% CI:
3.90–14.49; p < 0.001)), non-advanced polyps (OR, 1.78
(95% CI: 1.33–2.38; p < 0.001)) and inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) (OR, 4.19 (95% CI: 2.17–8.07; p < 0.001))
independently predicted raised f-Hb. Deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple
Deprivation (SIMD) 1-2: OR, 2.13 (95% CI: 1.38–3.29; p =
0.001)) independently predicted a raised f-Hb in patients with no pathology
found at colonoscopy. Conclusions An elevated f-Hb is independently associated with older age, deprivation,
anticoagulants, rectal bleeding, advanced adenoma, non-advanced polyps and
IBD in symptomatic patients. Deprivation is associated with a raised f-Hb in
the absence of pathology. This must be considered when utilising FIT in
symptomatic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Johnstone
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, 3526University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gillian Miller
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, 3526University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Grace Pang
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, 3526University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Burton
- eHealth, Corporate Services, Business Intelligence, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Georgios Kourounis
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, 3526University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jack Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, 59736Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Emilia Crighton
- Public Health, Health Service, Public Health Screening, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Mansouri
- Department of Coloproctology, 59736Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Witherspoon
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, 427872Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, 59736Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen T McSorley
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, 3526University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fraser CG, Benton SC. Faecal haemoglobin examinations have come of age, but further maturation seems desirable. Ann Clin Biochem 2022; 59:97-100. [PMID: 35060392 DOI: 10.1177/00045632211063459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, 85326University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Sally C Benton
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and NHS Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li JB, Qiu ZY, Deng YX, Li Y, Lin ZC, Wu YP, Weng F, Tian H, Ou QJ, Gong CH, Pan ZZ, Wan DS, Peng JH, Fang YJ. Factors associated with positive predictive value of preliminary screening in a two-step screening strategy for colorectal neoplasms in China. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:4. [PMID: 35201502 PMCID: PMC8777551 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive predictive value (PPV) of high risk factor questionnaire (HRFQ) plus fecal immunochemical test (FIT) as preliminary screening strategy for colorectal-related neoplasia is relatively low. We aim to explore independent factors associated with PPVs of HRFQ combined FIT for selecting high risk individuals for colonoscopy. METHODS A total of 6971 residents were enrolled in a community-based screening program. Participants who had positive results of HRFQ and/or FIT and subsequently received colonoscopy were involved. The associations of socio-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and high risk factors of colorectal cancer with PPVs of HRFQ, FIT, and their combination were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 572 involved cases, 249 (43.5%) colorectal neoplasms were detected by colonoscopy, including 71 advanced adenoma (12.4%) and 9 colorectal cancer (CRC) (1.6%). The PPVs of preliminary screening were 43.5% for total colorectal neoplasms, 14.0% for advanced neoplasm, and 1.6% for CRC. Adding positive HRFQ to FIT could improve the PPV from 3.5 to 8.0% for detecting CRC. Preliminarily screened positive individuals who were males [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.95, 95% CI 1.31, 2.90; p < 0.001], elders (> 60 years) (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.17, 2.46; p = 0.005), or ex-/current smokers (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI 1.31, 7.09; p = 0.10) had higher odds of PPVs of detecting colorectal neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS Combining HRFQ and FIT could largely improve PPVs for screening advanced neoplasm and CRC. Gender and age-specific FIT cut-off values as well as initiating ages for CRC screening might be recommended to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of current screening algorithm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Bin Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yu Qiu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xiang Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo-Chen Lin
- Department of Medical Records, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ping Wu
- Yuexiu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Weng
- Yuexiu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Tian
- Dadong Street Community Health Service Center, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Jian Ou
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Hua Gong
- Yuexiu District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 510055, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Pan
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Sen Wan
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Hong Peng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Jing Fang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clark GR, Digby J, Fraser CG, Strachan JA, Steele RJ. Faecal haemoglobin concentrations in women and men diagnosed with colorectal cancer in a national screening programme. J Med Screen 2021; 29:26-31. [PMID: 34806935 PMCID: PMC8892068 DOI: 10.1177/09691413211056970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective There is evidence that colorectal cancer screening using faecal haemoglobin is less effective in women than men. The faecal haemoglobin concentrations were therefore examined in women and men with screen-detected colorectal cancer. Setting Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, following the introduction of a faecal immunochemical test from November 2017, to March 2020. Methods Data were collated on faecal haemoglobin concentrations, pathological stage and anatomical site of the main lesion in participants who had colorectal cancer detected. The data in women and men were compared. Results For the faecal haemoglobin concentrations studied (>80 µg Hb/g faeces), the distributions indicated lower concentrations in women. Marked differences were found between women and men diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The median faecal haemoglobin concentration for women (n = 720) was 408 µg Hb/g faeces compared to 473 µg Hb/g faeces for men (n = 959) (p = 0.004) and 50.6% of the results were >400 µg Hb/g faeces in women; in men, this was 57.8%. The difference in faecal haemoglobin concentrations in women and men became less statistically significant as stage advanced from stages I–IV. For right-sided, left-sided and rectal colorectal cancer, a similar gender difference persisted in all sites. Differences in faecal haemoglobin between the genders were significant for left-sided cancers and stage I and approached significance for rectal cancers and stage II, but all sites and stages showed lower median faecal haemoglobin concentrations for women. Conclusions To minimise gender inequalities, faecal immunochemical test-based colorectal cancer screening programmes should evaluate a strategy of using different faecal haemoglobin concentration thresholds in women and men.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jayne Digby
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, 85326University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, 85326University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Judith A Strachan
- Blood Sciences and Scottish Bowel Screening Laboratory, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert Jc Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, 85326University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Faecal Haemoglobin Estimated by Faecal Immunochemical Tests-An Indicator of Systemic Inflammation with Real Clinical Potential. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11112093. [PMID: 34829442 PMCID: PMC8622944 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11112093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimorbidity is the major cause of ill-health and premature death in developed countries. The ability to identify individuals at risk of developing chronic disease, particularly multimorbidity, reliably, and simply, and to identify undiagnosed disorders, is vital to reducing the global burden of disease. This narrative review, the first of recent studies, demonstrates that raised faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) is associated with increased all-cause and cause-specific mortality and with longer-term conditions including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and psoriasis, and with probable intake of particulate matter. We and others have hypothesized that elevated f-Hb (measured using a faecal immunochemical test) has considerable potential to identify individuals at risk of, or who already have, early stage, undiagnosed chronic disease. If f-Hb does prove to be an effective biomarker for chronic disease and multimorbidity, individuals with detectable f-Hb, but without an obvious source of gastrointestinal blood loss, could benefit from further assessment and early intervention. To test this hypothesis rigorously, longitudinal data-linkage methodology is required linking colorectal cancer screening data, and data on patients presenting with lower gastrointestinal symptoms, with routinely collected health information.
Collapse
|
13
|
Li SJ, Sharples LD, Benton SC, Blyuss O, Mathews C, Sasieni P, Duffy SW. Faecal immunochemical testing in bowel cancer screening: Estimating outcomes for different diagnostic policies. J Med Screen 2021; 28:277-285. [PMID: 33342370 PMCID: PMC8366184 DOI: 10.1177/0969141320980501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) in England has replaced guaiac faecal occult blood testing by faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). There is interest in fully exploiting FIT measures to improve bowel cancer (CRC) screening strategies. In this paper, we estimate the relationship of the quantitative haemoglobin concentration provided by FIT in faecal samples with underlying pathology. From this we estimate thresholds required for given levels of sensitivity to CRC and high-risk adenomas (HRA). METHODS Data were collected from a pilot study of FIT in England in 2014, in which 27,238 participants completed a FIT. Those with a faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) of at least 20 µg/g were referred for further investigation, usually colonoscopy. Truncated regression models were used to explore the relationship between bowel pathology and FIT results. Regression results were applied to estimate sensitivity to different abnormalities for a number of thresholds. RESULTS Participants with CRC and HRA had significantly higher f-Hb, and this remained unchanged after adjusting for age and sex. While a threshold of 20 μg/g was estimated to capture 82.2% of CRC and 64.0% of HRA, this would refer 7.8% of participants for colonoscopy. The current programme threshold used in England of 120 μg/g was estimated to identify 47.8% of CRC and 25.0% of HRA. CONCLUSIONS Under the current diagnostic policy of dichotomising FIT results, a very low threshold would be required to achieve high sensitivity to CRC and HRA, which would place further strain on colonoscopy resources. The NHS BCSP in England might benefit from a diagnostic policy that makes greater use of the quantitative nature of FIT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuping J Li
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Linda D Sharples
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sally C Benton
- NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, Royal County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Oleg Blyuss
- School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, UK
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Christopher Mathews
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Sasieni
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen W Duffy
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McSorley ST, Digby J, Clyde D, Cruickshank N, Burton P, Barker L, Strachan JA, Fraser CG, Smith K, Mowat C, Winter J, Steele RJC. Yield of colorectal cancer at colonoscopy according to faecal haemoglobin concentration in symptomatic patients referred from primary care. Colorectal Dis 2021; 23:1615-1621. [PMID: 33064898 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are poor predictors of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy by faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration in symptomatic patients assessed in primary care by faecal immunochemical testing (FIT). METHOD In three Scottish NHS Boards, FIT kits (HM-JACKarc, Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics Systems Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) were used by general practitioners to guide referrals for patients with lower GI symptoms (laboratory data studied for 12 months from December 2015 onwards in Tayside, 18 months from June 2018 onwards in Fife and 5 months from September 2018 onwards in Greater Glasgow and Clyde). Cases of CRC diagnosed at colonoscopy were ascertained from colonoscopy and pathology records. RESULTS Four thousand eight hundred and forty one symptomatic patients who underwent colonoscopy after FIT submission were included. Of the 2166 patients (44.7%) with f-Hb <10 µg Hb/g faeces (µg/g), 14 (0.6%) were diagnosed with CRC, with a number needed to scope (NNS) of 155. Of the 2675 patients (55.3%) with f-Hb ≥10 µg/g, 252 were diagnosed with CRC (9.4%) with a NNS of 11. Of the 705 patients with f-Hb ≥400 µg/g, 158 (22.4%) were diagnosed with CRC with a NNS of 5. Over half of those diagnosed with CRC with f-Hb <10 µg/g had coexisting anaemia. CONCLUSION Symptomatic patients with f-Hb ≥10 µg/g should undergo further investigation for CRC, while higher f-Hb concentrations could be used to triage for urgency during the COVID-19 recovery phase. Patients with f-Hb <10 µg/g and without anaemia are very unlikely to be diagnosed with CRC and the majority need no further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T McSorley
- Academic Unit of Surgery, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jayne Digby
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Danielle Clyde
- Department of Surgery, NHS Fife, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, UK
| | - Neil Cruickshank
- Department of Surgery, NHS Fife, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, UK
| | - Paul Burton
- eHealth, Corporate Services, Business Intelligence, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Louise Barker
- Department of Surgery, NHS Fife, Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, UK
| | - Judith A Strachan
- Department of Blood Sciences, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, UK
| | - Craig Mowat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Jack Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Robert J C Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Benton SC, Piggott C, Blyuss O, Li SJ, Mathews C, Carroll M, Duffy S. Impact of changing from a guaiac faecal occult blood test to a faecal immunochemical test in a national screening programme: Results from a pilot study within the national bowel cancer screening programme in England. J Med Screen 2021; 28:426-432. [PMID: 33983066 DOI: 10.1177/09691413211013376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Testing for occult blood in faeces is widely used in bowel cancer screening around the world. In many programmes, the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is replacing the traditional guiaic faecal occult blood test (gFOBT). There have been a number of reports on the clinical impact of making this change; yet, no-one has considered the pre-analytical and analytical impact of moving from a gFOBT to a FIT bowel cancer screening programme. METHODS We interrogated data obtained in a FIT pilot carried out in England in 2014 to assess the timeliness of specimen collection device return time and analysis for gFOBT and FIT, the impact of time to analysis on faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) concentration, and any differences observed between analyses carried out at two different testing laboratories. RESULTS FIT kits were returned on average 5.6 days sooner than gFOBT. The time to analysis for FIT leads to an overall rise in f-Hb concentration within the manufacturer's stated 14-day stability period. CONCLUSION Both these factors are important considerations for laboratories when considering setting up a bowel cancer screening programme, especially if transitioning from gFOBT to FIT. Our data also support previous evidence of males having a higher f-Hb than females and demonstrate that after adjusting for sex, age and screening hub, neither index of multiple deprivation nor screening episode significantly affected f-Hb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally C Benton
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Guildford, Surrey, UK.,NHS Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Carolyn Piggott
- NHS Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Oleg Blyuss
- Department of Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Institute of Child's Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.,School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, UK
| | - Shuping J Li
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Christopher Mathews
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Magdalen Carroll
- NHS Bowel Cancer Screening South of England Hub, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Stephen Duffy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services, Guildford, Surrey, UK.,Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pin-Vieito N, García Nimo L, Bujanda L, Román Alonso B, Gutierrez-Stampa MÁ, Aguilar-Gama V, Portillo I, Cubiella J. Optimal diagnostic accuracy of quantitative faecal immunochemical test positivity thresholds for colorectal cancer detection in primary health care: A community-based cohort study. United European Gastroenterol J 2021; 9:256-267. [PMID: 32778002 PMCID: PMC8259257 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620949714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optimizing colonoscopy resources is challenging, and information regarding performing diagnostic quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in daily clinical practice in primary health care is still limited. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of varying FIT positivity thresholds on colorectal cancer (CRC) detection in primary health care. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 38,675 asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with a FIT (OC‐Sensor™) performed between 2012 and 2016 in a primary health‐care setting, using a clinical laboratory database of two Spanish areas linked with the National Health System's Hospital Discharge Records Database. The primary outcome was 2‐year CRC incidence. Results The mean age of the participants was 63.2 years; 17,792 (46.0%) were male. CRC prevalence was 1.7% (650/38,675). The percentage of patients with a FIT result above the threshold was 20.7% and 14.6% for 10 μg Hb/g faeces and 20 μg Hb/g faeces thresholds, respectively. Sensitivity was 90.5% (95% confidence interval 88.0%–92.5%) at a 10 μg Hb/g faeces threshold, and this decreased by 3.1% when a 20 μg Hb/g faeces threshold was used. The negative predictive value for CRC was at least 99.2% in any subgroup analysed. At a 20 μg Hb/g faeces threshold, less than one additional CRC would be missed per 1000 patients investigated, while approximately 1.3 times more colonoscopy examinations were needed to identify an incidence of CRC using the lowest threshold for any situation analysed. Conclusions In primary health care, a quantitative FIT threshold should be tailored to colonoscopy capacity and CRC prevalence in specific populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noel Pin-Vieito
- Gastroenterology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Ourense, Spain.,Instituto de Investigacién Biomédica Galicia Sur, Ourense, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Laura García Nimo
- Instituto de Investigacién Biomédica Galicia Sur, Ourense, Spain.,Clinical Analysis Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Centro de Investigacién Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Ourense, Spain
| | - Luis Bujanda
- Gastroenterology Department, Donostia Hospital, Biodonostia Institute, CIBERehd, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Begona Román Alonso
- Admission and Clinical Documentation Department, Donostia Hospital, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Vanessa Aguilar-Gama
- Osakidetza, OSI Donostialdea, Altza Primary Care; Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Isabel Portillo
- Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, Osakidetza, Basque Health Service, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Joaquín Cubiella
- Gastroenterology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Ourense, Spain.,Instituto de Investigacién Biomédica Galicia Sur, Ourense, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fraser CG. Assuring the quality of examinations using faecal immunochemical tests for haemoglobin (FIT). Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 59:245-247. [PMID: 33079702 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention and Screening, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Libby G, Barnett KN, Fraser CG, Steele RJC. Association between faecal occult bleeding and medicines prescribed for chronic disease: a data linkage study. J Clin Pathol 2020; 74:664-667. [PMID: 33051288 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-206986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The presence of detectable faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) has been shown to be associated with all-cause mortality and with death from a number of chronic diseases not known to cause gastrointestinal blood loss. This effect is independent of taking medicines that increase the risk of bleeding. To further investigate the association of f-Hb with chronic disease, the relationship between f-Hb and prescription of medicines for a variety of conditions was studied. METHODS All subjects (134 192) who participated in guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) screening in Tayside, Scotland, between March 2000 and March 2016, were studied in a cross-sectional manner by linking their gFOBT result (abnormal or normal) with prescribing data at the time of the test. RESULTS The screening participants with an abnormal gFOBT result were more likely to have been being prescribed medicines for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and depression than those with a normal test result. This association persisted after adjustment for sex, age and deprivation (OR 1.35 (95%CI 1.23 to 1.48), 1.39 (1.27 to 1.52), 1.35 (1.15 to 1.58), 1.36 (1.16 to 1.59), all p<0.0001, for the four medicine categories, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confer further substantial weight to the concept that detectable f-Hb is associated with a range of common chronic conditions that have a systemic inflammatory component; we speculate that f-Hb might have potential in identifying individuals who are high risk of developing chronic conditions or are at an early stage of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Libby
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Karen N Barnett
- Division of Public Health and Genomics, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Callum G Fraser
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention & Screening, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert J C Steele
- Centre for Research into Cancer Prevention & Screening, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|