1
|
Zorzi M, Calciano L, Gennaro N, Memo L, Rizzato S, Stocco C, Urso EDL, Negro S, Spolverato G, Pucciarelli S, Sbaraglia M, Guzzinati S. Trends in colorectal cancer surgical resection rates during the screening era: a retrospective study in Italy. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2024; 11:e001434. [PMID: 39106985 PMCID: PMC11308884 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2024-001434] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based screening is effective in reducing colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, but its sensitivity for proximal lesions remains low. OBJECTIVES We compared age-adjusted CRC surgical resection rates across anatomic sites (proximal colon, distal colon, rectum), age groups and sex over 20 years in a large Italian population. We particularly focused on changes in trends following FIT-screening implementation in the target population (50-69 years). DESIGN This retrospective study analysed data from the Veneto Region's administrative Hospital Discharge Dataset, involving over 54 000 patients aged 40-89 (43.4% female) who underwent CRC surgery between 2002 and 2021. RESULTS Overall, surgery rates increased until 2007 (annual percentage changes: 2.5% in males, 2.9% in females) and then declined (-4.2% in males, -3.4% in females). This decline was steeper for distal and rectal cancers compared with proximal cancer, suggesting a shift towards more right-sided CRC surgery.In males, the prescreening increase in proximal surgery was reversed after screening implementation (slope change: -6%) while the prescreening decline accelerated for distal (-4%) and rectal (-3%) surgeries. In females, stable prescreening trends shifted downward for all sites (-5% for proximal, -8% for distal and -7% for rectal surgery). However, the change in trends between prescreening and postscreening periods was not different across anatomic sites for either sex (all slope change differences in pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant). CONCLUSION The shift towards proximal surgery may not be entirely due to the FIT's low sensitivity but may reflect an underlying upward trend in proximal cancers independent of screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Zorzi
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Memo
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Stocco
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuele D L Urso
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Negro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaya Spolverato
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pucciarelli
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences (DiSCOG), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Marta Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karmakar B, Zauber AG, Hahn AI, Lau YK, Doubeni CA, Joffe MM. Bias due to coarsening of time intervals in the inference for the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening. Int J Epidemiol 2024; 53:dyae096. [PMID: 39002174 PMCID: PMC11246168 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyae096] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies are frequently used to estimate the comparative effectiveness of different colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods due to the practical limitations and time needed to conduct large clinical trials. However, time-varying confounders, e.g. polyp detection in the last screening, can bias statistical results. Recently, generalized methods, or G-methods, have been used for the analysis of observational studies of CRC screening, given their ability to account for such time-varying confounders. Discretization, or the process of converting continuous functions into discrete counterparts, is required for G-methods when the treatment and outcomes are assessed at a continuous scale. DEVELOPMENT This paper evaluates the interplay between time-varying confounding and discretization, which can induce bias in assessing screening effectiveness. We investigate this bias in evaluating the effect of different CRC screening methods that differ from each other in typical screening frequency. APPLICATION First, using theory, we establish the direction of the bias. Then, we use simulations of hypothetical settings to study the bias magnitude for varying levels of discretization, frequency of screening and length of the study period. We develop a method to assess possible bias due to coarsening in simulated situations. CONCLUSIONS The proposed method can inform future studies of screening effectiveness, especially for CRC, by determining the choice of interval lengths where data are discretized to minimize bias due to coarsening while balancing computational costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikram Karmakar
- Department of Statistics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ann G Zauber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne I Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yan Kwan Lau
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chyke A Doubeni
- Family and Community Medicine, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marshall M Joffe
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Świtalski J, Tatara T, Wnuk K, Miazga W, Karauda D, Matera A, Jabłońska M, Jopek S, Religioni U, Gujski M. Clinical Effectiveness of Faecal Immunochemical Test in the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer-An Umbrella Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184391. [PMID: 36139551 PMCID: PMC9496929 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184391] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The colorectal cancer prognosis depends on the stage of the neoplasm; therefore, its early detection plays an important role. The aim of the study is evaluation of the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical effectiveness of the faecal immunochemical test in the early colorectal cancer detection. Methods: The clinical analysis was based on the results of the studies included in a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The following medical information sources were searched: Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), The Cochrane Library. Results: From 241 citations, 13 studies were included in this review. All included studies had a low risk of bias. The faecal immunochemical test is highly specific in all analysed populations ranging from 85% to 97%. In most of the found studies, sensitivity is over 75%. The faecal immunochemical test screening also determines a reduction in death (10-59%) due to colorectal cancer. Conclusions: The faecal immunochemical test is an effective and cost-effective method of conducting population-wide colorectal cancer screening. It is an alternative or complementary to other screening tests, including colonoscopy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Świtalski
- Department of Health Economics and Medical Law, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Tatara
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wnuk
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Miazga
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Karauda
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrian Matera
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Jabłońska
- Department of Health Policy Programs, Department of Health Technology Assessment, Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System, 00-032 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Jopek
- Department of Health Economics and Medical Law, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Religioni
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education of Warsaw, Kleczewska 61/63, 01-826 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-5601-150
| | - Mariusz Gujski
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tran TN, Peeters M, Hoeck S, Van Hal G, Janssens S, De Schutter H. Optimizing the colorectal cancer screening programme using faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in Flanders, Belgium from the “interval cancer” perspective. Br J Cancer 2022; 126:1091-1099. [PMID: 35022524 PMCID: PMC8980044 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01694-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interval cancer (IC) is a critical issue in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We identified factors associated with ICs after faecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening and explored the impact of lowering FIT cut-off or shortening screening interval on FIT-ICs in Flanders. Methods FIT participants diagnosed with a CRC during 2013–2018 were included. Factors associated with FIT-ICs were identified using logistic regression. Distributions of FIT results among FIT-ICs were examined. Results In total, 10,122 screen-detected CRCs and 1534 FIT-ICs were included (FIT-IC proportion of 13%). FIT-ICs occurred more frequently in women (OR 1.58 [95% CI 1.41–1.76]) and ages 70–74 (OR 1.35 [1.14–1.59]). FIT-ICs were more often right-sided (OR 3.53 [2.98–4.20]), advanced stage (stage IV: OR 7.15 [5.76–8.88]), and high grade (poorly/undifferentiated: OR 2.57 [2.08–3.18]). The majority (83–92%) of FIT-ICs would still be missed if FIT cut-off was lowered from 15 to 10 µg Hb/g or screening interval was shortened from 2 to 1 year. Conclusions FIT-ICs were more common in women, older age, right-sided location, advanced stage and high grade. In Flanders, lowering FIT cut-off (to 10 µg Hb/g) or shortening screening interval (to 1 year) would have a minimal impact on FIT-ICs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Analysis of Post-Colonoscopy Colorectal Cancer and Its Subtypes in a Screening Programme. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205105. [PMID: 34680254 PMCID: PMC8533900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the algorithm of the World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO), we have studied retrospectively all colorectal cancers, both detected and non-detected by the Basque Country screening programme from 2009 to 2017. In the screening programme 61,335 colonoscopies were performed following a positive Faecal Immunochemical test (FIT) (≥20 µg Hb/g faeces) and the 128 cases of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) detected were analysed. Among them, 50 interval type PCCRCs were diagnosed (before the recommended surveillance), 0.8 cases per 1000 colonoscopies performed, and 78 non-interval type PCCRCs (in the surveillance carried out at the recommended time or delayed), 1.3 per 1000 colonoscopies. Among the non-interval type PCCRCs, 61 cases were detected in the surveillance carried out at the recommended time (type A) and 17 when the surveillance was delayed (type B), 1 case per 1000 colonoscopies performed and 0.28 cases per 1000 colonoscopies performed, respectively. Interval type PCCRC is less frequent than non-interval type PCCRC. In interval type PCCRCs, CRCs detected in advanced stages (stages III-IV) were significantly more frequent than those detected in early stages, compared to those of non-interval type PCCRCs (OR = 3.057; 95% CI, 1.410-6.625; p < 0.005). Non-interval type B PCCRCs are less frequent than non-interval type A PCCRCs, but the frequency of advanced stages is higher in interval type B PCCRCs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Young GP, Woodman RJ, Symonds E. Detection of advanced colorectal neoplasia and relative colonoscopy workloads using quantitative faecal immunochemical tests: an observational study exploring the effects of simultaneous adjustment of both sample number and test positivity threshold. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2021; 7:bmjgast-2020-000517. [PMID: 32994195 PMCID: PMC7526287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2020-000517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using quantitative faecal immunochemical tests (FIT), test parameters requiring consideration are the faecal haemoglobin concentration (f-Hb) positivity cut-off and the number of stools sampled. This observational study explored variation in f-Hb between samples and the relationship between sensitivity for advanced neoplasia (AN, cancer or advanced adenoma) and colonoscopy workload across a range of independently-adjusted parameter combinations. DESIGN Quantitative FIT data (OC-Sensor) were accessed from individuals undergoing personalised colonoscopic screening with an offer of 2-sample FIT in the intervening years. We estimated variation in f-Hb between samples in 12 710 completing 2-sample FIT, plus test positivity rates (colonoscopy workload) and sensitivity for AN according to parameter combinations in 4037 instances where FIT was done in the year preceding colonoscopy. RESULTS There was large within-subject variability between samples, with the ratio for the second to the first sample f-Hb ranging up to 18-fold for all cases, and up to 56-fold for AN cases. Sensitivity for AN was greatest at lower f-Hb cut-offs and/or using 2-sample FIT. Colonoscopy workload varied according to how parameters were combined. Using different cut-offs for 1-sample FIT and 2-sample FIT to return similar sensitivity, workload was less with 2-sample FIT when the sensitivity goal exceeded 35%. CONCLUSION Variation in f-Hb between samples is such that both parameters are crucial determinants of sensitivity and workload; independent adjustment of each should be considered. The 2-sample FIT approach is best for detecting advanced adenomas as well as CRC provided that the colonoscopy workload is feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graeme P Young
- Cancer Research, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard J Woodman
- Biostatistics, Flinders Prevention, Promotion and Primary Health Care, General Practice, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Erin Symonds
- Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.,Cancer Research, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin JS, Perdue LA, Henrikson NB, Bean SI, Blasi PR. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2021; 325:1978-1998. [PMID: 34003220 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.4417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the effectiveness, test accuracy, and harms of screening for CRC to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant studies published from January 1, 2015, to December 4, 2019; surveillance through March 26, 2021. STUDY SELECTION English-language studies conducted in asymptomatic populations at general risk of CRC. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently appraised the articles and extracted relevant study data from fair- or good-quality studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, test accuracy in detecting cancers or adenomas, and serious adverse events. RESULTS The review included 33 studies (n = 10 776 276) on the effectiveness of screening, 59 (n = 3 491 045) on the test performance of screening tests, and 131 (n = 26 987 366) on the harms of screening. In randomized clinical trials (4 trials, n = 458 002), intention to screen with 1- or 2-time flexible sigmoidoscopy vs no screening was associated with a decrease in CRC-specific mortality (incidence rate ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.68-0.80]). Annual or biennial guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) vs no screening (5 trials, n = 419 966) was associated with a reduction of CRC-specific mortality after 2 to 9 rounds of screening (relative risk at 19.5 years, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.84-0.98]; relative risk at 30 years, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.65-0.93]). In observational studies, receipt of screening colonoscopy (2 studies, n = 436 927) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (1 study, n = 5.4 million) vs no screening was associated with lower risk of CRC incidence or mortality. Nine studies (n = 6497) evaluated the test accuracy of screening computed tomography (CT) colonography, 4 of which also reported the test accuracy of colonoscopy; pooled sensitivity to detect adenomas 6 mm or larger was similar between CT colonography with bowel prep (0.86) and colonoscopy (0.89). In pooled values, commonly evaluated FITs (14 studies, n = 45 403) (sensitivity, 0.74; specificity, 0.94) and stool DNA with FIT (4 studies, n = 12 424) (sensitivity, 0.93; specificity, 0.85) performed better than high-sensitivity gFOBT (2 studies, n = 3503) (sensitivity, 0.50-0.75; specificity, 0.96-0.98) to detect cancers. Serious harms of screening colonoscopy included perforations (3.1/10 000 procedures) and major bleeding (14.6/10 000 procedures). CT colonography may have harms resulting from low-dose ionizing radiation. It is unclear if detection of extracolonic findings on CT colonography is a net benefit or harm. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There are several options to screen for colorectal cancer, each with a different level of evidence demonstrating its ability to reduce cancer mortality, its ability to detect cancer or precursor lesions, and its risk of harms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Lin
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Leslie A Perdue
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nora B Henrikson
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sarah I Bean
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Paula R Blasi
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ibáñez-Sanz G, Sanz-Pamplona R, Garcia M. Future Prospects of Colorectal Cancer Screening: Characterizing Interval Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1328. [PMID: 33809520 PMCID: PMC8001713 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors that are not detected by screening tests are known as interval cancers and are diagnosed clinically after a negative result in the screening episode but before the next screening invitation. Clinical characteristics associated with interval colorectal cancers have been studied, but few molecular data are available that describe interval colorectal cancers. A better understanding of the clinical and biological characteristics associated with interval colorectal cancer may provide new insights into how to prevent this disease more effectively. This review aimed to summarize the current literature concerning interval colorectal cancer and its epidemiological, clinical, and molecular features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Ibáñez-Sanz
- Oncology Data Analytics Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain;
- Gastroenterology Department, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Colorectal Cancer Research Group, ONCOBELL Programme, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Sanz-Pamplona
- Oncology Data Analytics Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain;
- Colorectal Cancer Research Group, ONCOBELL Programme, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Montse Garcia
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Screening Unit, Prevention and Control Programme, Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Early Detection of Cancer Research Group, EPIBELL Programme, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo F, De Brabander I, Francart J, Candeur M, Polus M, Van Eycken L, Brenner H. Benefits of switching from guaiac-based faecal occult blood to faecal immunochemical testing: experience from the Wallonia-Brussels colorectal cancer screening programme. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1109-1117. [PMID: 32066910 PMCID: PMC7109124 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Faecal immunochemical tests (FITs) have replaced guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBTs) in several colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes. We aimed to evaluate the benefits of this transition based on the Wallonia–Brussels-organised CRC screening programme. Methods A total of 1,569,868 individuals aged 50–74 years, who were invited to screening during 2009–2017, were studied by linking their screening records with insurance, pathology and cancer data in the Belgian Cancer Registry. We compared neoplasm detection rates and positive predictive values (PPVs) of gFOBT and FIT at 15 µg haemoglobin per gram cut-off in screen-naive individuals. We furthermore examined the incidence rates of interval cancer in gFOBT- and FIT-based screening programme. Results Advanced neoplasms were detected less frequently by gFOBT (0.8%) than by FIT (1.3%), with a difference of 0.5% (P < 0.01). PPVs were lower for gFOBT (15.1%) than for FIT (21.7%) for advanced neoplasms (difference 6.6%, P < 0.01). Compared to participants with negative gFOBT, those with negative FIT were 77% less likely to develop interval cancer (incidence rate ratio 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.33). Conclusion Our study demonstrated that in an organised CRC screening programme, replacing gFOBT with FIT improved neoplasm detection rate and substantially reduced interval cancer incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Medical Faculty Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Michel Candeur
- Community Reference Center for Cancer Screening (Wallonia), Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | - Marc Polus
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|