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Shaukat A, Ladabaum U, Kanth P, Lieberman D. AGA Clinical Practice Update on Current Role of Blood Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Commentary. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2025:S1542-3565(25)00320-9. [PMID: 40267995 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2025.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2025] [Revised: 03/26/2025] [Accepted: 04/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025]
Abstract
DESCRIPTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and cancer-related mortality in the United States. Despite multiple screening options, adherence to CRC screening in the United States remains suboptimal, and there are racial, ethnic, and geographic disparities in CRC screening rates and outcomes. Advances in diagnostic technology have allowed for development and validation of blood tests for CRC screening. In this Clinical Practice Update, our aims were to review the current evidence on blood tests and the potential implications for CRC screening. We leveraged published modeling studies to understand the optimal test performance characteristics, interval, and uptake that would be needed for blood tests to achieve comparable effectiveness to that of currently available stool tests and screening colonoscopy. METHODS This expert commentary was commissioned and approved by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership. The manuscript underwent internal peer review by the Clinical Practice Updates Committee and external peer review through standard procedures of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasma Shaukat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Uri Ladabaum
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Priyanka Kanth
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Issaka RB, Bell-Brown A, Jewell T, Jackson SL, Weiner BJ. Interventions to Increase Follow-Up of Abnormal Stool-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests in Safety Net Settings: A Systematic Review. Gastroenterology 2024; 167:826-833.e3. [PMID: 39306373 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Issaka
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Ari Bell-Brown
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Teresa Jewell
- Health Science Library, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sara L Jackson
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Issaka RB, Bell-Brown A, Jewell T, Jackson SL, Weiner BJ. Interventions to Increase Follow-Up of Abnormal Stool-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests in Safety Net Settings: A Systematic Review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:1967-1974.e3. [PMID: 39322372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Issaka
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Ari Bell-Brown
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Teresa Jewell
- Health Science Library, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sara L Jackson
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bryan J Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Xu M, Yang JY, Meng T. Effectiveness of colonoscopy, immune fecal occult blood testing, and risk-graded screening strategies in colorectal cancer screening. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:2270-2280. [PMID: 39087098 PMCID: PMC11287692 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i7.2270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and early screening is crucial to improving the survival rate of patients. The combination of colonoscopy and immune fecal occult blood detection has garnered significant attention as a novel method for CRC screening. Colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests, when combined, can improve screening accuracy and early detection rates, thereby facilitating early intervention and treatment. However, certain risks and costs accompany it, making the establishment of a risk classification model crucial for accurate classification and management of screened subjects. AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of colonoscopy, immune fecal occult blood test (FIT), and risk-graded screening strategies in CRC screening. METHODS Based on the randomized controlled trial of CRC screening in the population conducted by our hospital May 2020 to May 2023, participants who met the requirements were randomly assigned to a colonoscopy group, an FIT group, or a graded screening group at a ratio of 1:2:2 (after risk assessment, the high-risk group received colonoscopy, the low-risk group received an FIT test, and the FIT-positive group received colonoscopy). The three groups received CRC screening with different protocols, among which the colonoscopy group only received baseline screening, and the FIT group and the graded screening group received annual follow-up screening based on baseline screening. The primary outcome was the detection rate of advanced tumors, including CRC and advanced adenoma. The population participation rate, advanced tumor detection rate, and colonoscopy load of the three screening programs were compared. RESULTS A total of 19373 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled, including 8082 males (41.7%) and 11291 females (58.3%). The mean age was 60.05 ± 6.5 years. Among them, 3883 patients were enrolled in the colonoscopy group, 7793 in the FIT group, and 7697 in the graded screening group. Two rounds of follow-up screening were completed in the FIT group and the graded screening group. The graded screening group (89.2%) and the colonoscopy group (42.3%) had the lowest overall screening participation rates, while the FIT group had the highest (99.3%). The results of the intentional analysis showed that the detection rate of advanced tumors in the colonoscopy group was greater than that of the FIT group [2.76% vs 2.17%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.65, P = 0.037]. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of advanced tumors between the colonoscopy group and the graded screening group (2.76% vs 2.35%, OR = 1.9, 95%CI: 0.93-1.51, P = 0.156), as well as between the graded screening group and the FIT group (2.35% vs 2.17%, OR = 1.09%, 95%CI: 0.88-1.34, P = 0.440). The number of colonoscopy examinations required for each patient with advanced tumors was used as an index to evaluate the colonoscopy load during population screening. The graded screening group had the highest colonoscopy load (15.4 times), followed by the colonoscopy group (10.2 times), and the FIT group had the lowest (7.8 times). CONCLUSION A hierarchical screening strategy based on CRC risk assessment is feasible for screening for CRC in the population. It can be used as an effective supplement to traditional colonoscopy and FIT screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing-Yi Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Kruse-Diehr AJ, Cegelka D, Holtsclaw E, Edward JS, Vos SC, Karrer M, Bathje K, Rogers M, Russell E, Knight JR. Feasibility and efficacy of a novel audiovisual tool to increase colorectal cancer screening among rural Appalachian Kentucky adults. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1415607. [PMID: 39056077 PMCID: PMC11269215 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1415607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Residents of Appalachian regions in Kentucky experience increased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. While population-based screening methods, such as fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), can reduce many screening barriers, written instructions to complete FIT can be challenging for some individuals. We developed a novel audiovisual tool ("talking card") to educate and motivate accurate FIT completion and assessed its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Materials and methods We collected data on the talking card via: (1) cross-sectional surveys exploring perceptions of images, messaging, and perceived utility; (2) follow-up focus groups centered on feasibility and acceptability; and (3) efficacy testing in community-based FIT distribution events, where we assessed FIT completion rate, number of positive vs. negative screens, demographic characteristics of participants, and primary drivers of FIT completion. Results Across the three study phases, 692 individuals participated. Survey respondents positively identified with the card's sounds and images, found it highly acceptable, and reported high-to-very high self-efficacy and response efficacy for completing FIT, with nearly half noting greater likelihood to complete screening after using the tool. Focus group participants confirmed the acceptability of the individuals featured on the card. Nearly 75% of participants provided a FIT accurately completed it, with most indicating the talking card, either alone or combined with another strategy, helped with completion. Discussion To reduce CRC screening disparities among Appalachian Kentuckians, population-based screening using contextually relevant implementation strategies must be used alongside clinic-based education. The talking card represents a novel and promising strategy to promote screening uptake in both clinical and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Center for Implementation, Dissemination and Evidence-Based Research, University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Lexington, KY, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Derek Cegelka
- Hawaii Pacific University School of Nursing, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | | | - Jean S. Edward
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sarah C. Vos
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - Katie Bathje
- American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Melinda Rogers
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- Kentucky Cancer Program, Somerset, KY, United States
| | - Elaine Russell
- Kentucky Cancer Consortium, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer Redmond Knight
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
- Kentucky Cancer Consortium, Lexington, KY, United States
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Wang ZM, Pan SP, Zhang JJ, Zhou J. Prediction and analysis of albumin-bilirubin score combined with liver function index and carcinoembryonic antigen on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:1670-1680. [PMID: 38983332 PMCID: PMC11230030 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i6.1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor, and liver metastasis is one of the main recurrence and metastasis modes that seriously affect patients' survival rate and quality of life. Indicators such as albumin bilirubin (ALBI) score, liver function index, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have shown some potential in the prediction of liver metastasis but have not been fully explored. AIM To evaluate its predictive value for liver metastasis of CRC by conducting the combined analysis of ALBI, liver function index, and CEA, and to provide a more accurate liver metastasis risk assessment tool for clinical treatment guidance. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with CRC who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2018 to July 2023 and were followed up for 24 months. According to the follow-up results, the enrolled patients were divided into a liver metastasis group and a nonliver metastasis group and randomly divided into a modeling group and a verification group at a ratio of 2:1. The risk factors for liver metastasis in patients with CRC were analyzed, a prediction model was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internal validation was performed by the bootstrap method, the reliability of the prediction model was evaluated by subject-work characteristic curves, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves, and a column graph was drawn to show the prediction results. RESULTS Of 130 patients were enrolled in the modeling group and 65 patients were enrolled in the verification group out of the 195 patients with CRC who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Through LASSO regression variable screening and logistic regression analysis. The ALBI score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and CEA were found to be independent predictors of liver metastases in CRC patients [odds ratio (OR) = 8.062, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.545-25.540], (OR = 1.037, 95%CI: 1.004-1.071) and (OR = 1.025, 95%CI: 1.008-1.043). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the combined prediction of CRLM in the modeling group was 0.921, with a sensitivity of 78.0% and a specificity of 95.0%. The H-index was 0.921, and the H-L fit curve had χ2 = 0.851, a P value of 0.654, and a slope of the calibration curve approaching 1. This indicates that the model is extremely accurate, and the clinical decision curve demonstrates that it can be applied effectively in the real world. We conducted internal verification of one thousand resamplings of the modeling group data using the bootstrap method. The AUC was 0.913, while the accuracy was 0.869 and the kappa consistency was 0.709. The combination prediction of liver metastasis in patients with CRC in the verification group had an AUC of 0.918, sensitivity of 85.0%, specificity of 95.6%, C-index of 0.918, and an H-L fitting curve with χ 2 = 0.586, P = 0.746. CONCLUSION The ALBI score, ALT level, and CEA level have a certain value in predicting liver metastasis in patients with CRC. These three criteria exhibit a high level of efficacy in forecasting liver metastases in patients diagnosed with CRC. The risk prediction model developed in this work shows great potential for practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Mei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shu-Ping Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Feicheng People’s Hospital, Feicheng 271600, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Halm EA, Nair RG, Hu E, Wang L, Lykken JM, Ortiz C, Kim EJ, Santini NO, Moran B, Skinner CS. Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Regional Safety-Net Health System over a 10-Year Period: Lessons for Population Health. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:978-984. [PMID: 37932541 PMCID: PMC11074086 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite national policy efforts to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, rates in vulnerable populations remain suboptimal. Many types of interventions have been employed, but their impact on improving population-level rates of CRC screening over time is uncertain. OBJECTIVE Assess the impact of 10 years of different in-reach and outreach strategies to improve CRC screening and identify factors associated with being screen up-to-date (SUTD). DESIGN Observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged 50-74 years from 12 community-based primary care clinics in an integrated, regional safety-net health system. INTERVENTIONS Multiple system-level interventions were implemented over time (visit-based electronic health record [EHR] reminders, quality measurement, annual preventive service letters, and mailed fecal immunohistochemical stool tests [FIT]). MAIN MEASURES CRC SUTD rates by calendar year among those with a primary care (PC) visit in the prior 1 and 3 years and their multivariable correlates. KEY RESULTS The sample included 31,786-40,405 patients/year. In 2011, mean age was 58.9, 63.9% were women, 37.0% were Hispanic, 39.3% Black, 16.8% White, and 6.6% Asian/Other, and 60.5% were uninsured/Medicaid. Three-quarters of patients had ≥ 1 PC visit in the prior year. Lower-intensity interventions (EHR reminders, quality measurement, annual prevention letters) had limited impact on SUTD rates (2-3% rise). Implementing system-wide mailed FIT increased rates from 51.2 to 61.9% among those with a PC visit in the past year (40.5 to 46.8% with a PC visit ≤ 3 years). Stopping mailed FIT due to COVID wiped out these gains. Higher screening rates were associated with the following: older age; female; more comorbidities, PC clinic visits, and prior FITs; and better insurance coverage. Hispanics had the highest SUTD rates followed by Asians, Blacks, and Whites (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a system-wide mailed FIT program had the greatest impact on SUTD rates. Lower-intensity interventions (EHR reminders, quality measurement, and patient letters) had limited effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A Halm
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Rasmi G Nair
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ellen Hu
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacquelyn M Lykken
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Cynthia Ortiz
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eric J Kim
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Celette Sugg Skinner
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Coronado GD, Nyongesa DB, Petrik AF, Thompson JH, Escaron AL, Pham T, Leo MC. The Reach of Calls and Text Messages for Mailed FIT Outreach in the PROMPT Stepped-Wedge Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:525-533. [PMID: 38319289 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach can improve colorectal cancer screening participation. We assessed the reach and effectiveness of adding notifications to mailed FIT programs. METHODS We conducted secondary analyses of a stepped-wedge evaluation of an enhanced mailed FIT program (n = 15 clinics). Patients were stratified by prior FIT completion. Those with prior FIT were sent a text message (Group 1); those without were randomized 1:1 to receive a text message (Group 2) or live phone call (Group 3). All groups were sent automated phone call reminders. In stratified analysis, we measured reach and effectiveness (FIT completion within 6 months) and assessed patient-level associations using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Patients (n = 16,934; 83% Latino; 72% completed prior FIT) were reached most often by text messages (78%), followed by live phone calls (71%), then automated phone calls (56%). FIT completion was higher in patients with prior FIT completion versus without [44% (Group 1) vs. 19% (Group 2 + Group 3); P < 0.01]. For patients without prior FIT, effectiveness was higher in those allocated to a live phone call [20% (Group 3) vs. 18% (Group 2) for text message; P = 0.04] and in those who personally answered the live call (28% vs. 9% no call completed; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Text messages reached the most patients, yet effectiveness was highest in those who personally answered the live phone call. IMPACT Despite the broad reach and low cost of text messages, personalized approaches may more successfully boost FIT completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria D Coronado
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Amanda F Petrik
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - Anne L Escaron
- AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tuan Pham
- AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael C Leo
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Portland, Oregon
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Hohl SD, Maxwell AE, Sharma KP, Sun J, Vu TT, DeGroff A, Escoffery C, Schlueter D, Hannon PA. Implementing Mailed Colorectal Cancer Fecal Screening Tests in Real-World Primary Care Settings: Promising Implementation Practices and Opportunities for Improvement. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:124-135. [PMID: 36952143 PMCID: PMC10034905 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01496-3] [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] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening reduces morbidity and mortality, but screening rates in the USA remain suboptimal. The Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) was established in 2009 to increase screening among groups disproportionately affected. The CRCCP utilizes implementation science to support health system change as a strategy to reduce disparities in CRC screening by directing resources to primary care clinics to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) proven to increase CRC screening. As COVID-19 continues to impede in-person healthcare visits and compel the unpredictable redirection of clinic priorities, understanding clinics' adoption and implementation of EBIs into routine care is crucial. Mailed fecal testing is an evidence-based screening approach that offers an alternative to in-person screening tests and represents a promising approach to reduce CRC screening disparities. However, little is known about how mailed fecal testing is implemented in real-world settings. In this retrospective, cross-sectional analysis, we assessed practices around mailed fecal testing implementation in 185 clinics across 62 US health systems. We sought to (1) determine whether clinics that do and do not implement mailed fecal testing differ with respect to characteristics (e.g., type, location, and proportion of uninsured patients) and (2) identify implementation practices among clinics that offer mailed fecal testing. Our findings revealed that over half (58%) of clinics implemented mailed fecal testing. These clinics were more likely to have a CRC screening policy than clinics that did not implement mailed fecal testing (p = 0.007) and to serve a larger patient population (p = 0.004), but less likely to have a large proportion of uninsured patients (p = 0.01). Clinics that implemented mailed fecal testing offered it in combination with EBIs, including patient reminders (92%), provider reminders (94%), and other activities to reduce structural barriers (95%). However, fewer clinics reported having the leadership support (58%) or funding stability (29%) to sustain mailed fecal testing. Mailed fecal testing was widely implemented alongside other EBIs in primary care clinics participating in the CRCCP, but multiple opportunities for enhancing its implementation exist. These include increasing the proportion of community health centers/federally qualified health centers offering mailed screening; increasing the proportion that provide pre-paid return mail supplies with the screening kit; increasing the proportion of clinics monitoring both screening kit distribution and return; ensuring patients with abnormal tests can obtain colonoscopy; and increasing sustainability planning and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Hohl
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Office of Community Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Annette E Maxwell
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Krishna P Sharma
- Totally Joined for Achieving Collaborative Techniques, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Juzhong Sun
- Totally Joined for Achieving Collaborative Techniques, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thuy T Vu
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amy DeGroff
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dara Schlueter
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peggy A Hannon
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Kimura A, Bell-Brown A, Akinsoto N, Wood J, Peck A, Fang V, Issaka RB. Implementing an Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening Program: Lessons Learned From an Academic-Community Practice. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100188. [PMID: 38357554 PMCID: PMC10864856 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The effectiveness of mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach might be enhanced through an organized colorectal cancer screening program, yet published real-world experiences are limited. We synthesized the process of implementing a colorectal cancer screening program that used mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach in a large integrated academic-community practice. Methods Data from a pilot mailed fecal immunochemical test program were shared with healthcare system leadership, which inspired the creation of a cross-institutional organized colorectal cancer screening program. In partnership with a centralized population health team and primary care, we defined (1) the institutional approach to colorectal cancer screening, (2) the target population and method for screening, (3) the team responsible for implementation, (4) the healthcare team responsible for decisions and care, (5) a quality assurance structure, and (6) a method for identifying cancer occurrence. Results The Fred Hutch/UW Medicine Population Health Colorectal Cancer Screening Program began in September 2021. The workflow for mailed fecal immunochemical test outreach included a mailed postcard, a MyChart message from the patient's primary care provider, a fecal immunochemical test kit with a letter signed by the primary care provider and program director, and up to 3 biweekly reminders. Patients without a colonoscopy 3 months after an abnormal fecal immunochemical test result received navigation through the program. In the first program year, we identified 9,719 patients eligible for outreach, and in an intention-to-treat analysis, 32% of patients completed colorectal cancer screening by fecal immunochemical test or colonoscopy. Conclusions Real-world experiences detailing how to implement organized colorectal cancer screening programs might increase adoption. In our experience, broadly disseminating pilot data, early institutional support, robust data management, and strong cross-departmental relationships were critical to successfully implementing a colorectal cancer screening program that benefits all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kimura
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ari Bell-Brown
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nkem Akinsoto
- UW Medicine Primary Care and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jerry Wood
- UW Medicine Primary Care and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amy Peck
- UW Medicine Primary Care and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Victoria Fang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rachel B. Issaka
- Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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Liu PH, Nair RG, Skinner CS, Murphy CC, Kim EJ, Ortiz C, Wang L, Hu E, Lykken JM, Levin TR, Green BB, Hahn EE, Santini N, Halm EA. Unsatisfactory Fecal Immunochemical Tests for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Prevalence, Reasons, and Subsequent Testing. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024; 33:215-223. [PMID: 37964449 PMCID: PMC10873102 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-23-0507] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an effective colorectal cancer screening modality. Little is known about prevalence, reasons, and testing after unsatisfactory FIT, or a FIT that cannot be processed by the laboratory due to inadequate stool specimen or incomplete labeling. METHODS Our retrospective cohort study examined unsatisfactory FIT among average-risk individuals aged 50-74 years in a large, integrated, safety-net health system who completed an index FIT from 2010 to 2019. We determined prevalence of unsatisfactory FIT and categorized reasons hierarchically. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify factors associated with: (i) unsatisfactory FIT; and (ii) subsequent testing within 15 months of the unsatisfactory FIT. RESULTS Of 56,980 individuals completing an index FIT, 10.2% had an unsatisfactory FIT. Reasons included inadequate specimen (51%), incomplete labeling (27%), old specimen (13%), and broken/leaking container (8%). Unsatisfactory FIT was associated with being male [OR, 1.10; confidence interval (CI), 1.03-1.16], Black (OR, 1.46; CI, 1.33-1.61), Spanish speaking (OR, 1.12; CI, 1.01-1.24), on Medicaid (OR, 1.42; CI, 1.28-1.58), and received FIT by mail (OR, 2.66; CI, 2.35-3.01). Among those with an unsatisfactory FIT, fewer than half (41%) completed a subsequent test within 15 months (median, 4.4 months). Adults aged 50-54 years (OR, 1.16; CI, 1.01-1.39) and those who received FIT by mail (OR, 1.92; CI, 1.49-2.09) were more likely to complete a subsequent test. CONCLUSIONS One in ten returned a FIT that could not be processed, mostly due to patient-related reasons. Fewer than half completed a subsequent test after unsatisfactory FIT. IMPACT Screening programs should address these breakdowns such as specimen collection and labeling to improve real-world effectiveness. See related In the Spotlight, p. 183.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hong Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rasmi G Nair
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Celette Sugg Skinner
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Caitlin C Murphy
- School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Eric J Kim
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Cynthia Ortiz
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lei Wang
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ellen Hu
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jacquelyn M Lykken
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Theodore R Levin
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Beverly B Green
- Department of Health System Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Erin E Hahn
- Department of Health System Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena, California
| | - Noel Santini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Parkland Health, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ethan A Halm
- Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick New Jersey
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Deeds SA, Moore CB, Gunnink EJ, Wheat CL, Robinson AE, Bomsztyk MD, Geyer JR, Chen A, Godbout RM, Nelson KM, Dominitz JA, Reddy A. Implementation of a mailed faecal immunochemical test programme for colorectal cancer screening among Veterans. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2022-001927. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2022-001927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundScreening for colorectal cancer (CRC) with faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is effective at reducing CRC mortality. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with deferred care, especially screening for CRC.AimWe sought to develop a mailed FIT programme (MFP) to increase CRC screening and make recommendations for adoption across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and for other large healthcare systems.Setting2 regional VA medical centres in California and Washington state.Participants5667 average risk veterans aged 50–75 overdue or due within 90 days for CRC screening.Programme descriptionA multidisciplinary implementation team collaborated to mail an FIT kit to eligible veterans. Both sites mailed a primer postcard, and one site added an automated reminder call.Programme evaluationWe monitored FIT return and positivity rate, as well as impact of the programme on clinical staff. 34% of FIT kits were returned within 90 days and 7.8% were abnormal.DiscussionWe successfully implemented a population-based MFP at multiple regional VA sites and recommend that these efforts be spread across VA. Our model of regional leadership, facility champions and using centralised resources can be adaptable to other large healthcare systems. MFPs support catch-up from disrupted care by addressing access to CRC screening, unburden primary care visits and conserve limited procedural resources.
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