Colorectal Cancer Screening With Repeated Fecal Immunochemical Test Versus Sigmoidoscopy: Baseline Results From a Randomized Trial

Background & AimsThe comparative effectiveness of sigmoidoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is unknown.MethodsIndividuals aged 50–74 years living in Southeast Norway were randomly invited between 2012 2019 to either once-only flexible or FIT every second year. Colonoscopy was recommended after if any polyp ?10 mm, ?3 adenomas, advanced CRC found or, subsequent to, >15 ?g hemoglobin/g feces. Data this report obtained complete recruitment both groups included 2 full rounds part the third round. Outcome measures participation, neoplasia detection, adverse events. Age-standardized detection rates age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) calculated.ResultsWe 139,291 individuals: 69,195 randomized 70,096 FIT. The participation rate 52% sigmoidoscopy, 58% first round, 68% 3 cumulative rounds. Compared similar round (0.25% vs 0.27%; OR, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–1.13) but higher (0.49% 1.87; CI, 1.54–2.27). Advanced adenoma lower compared at 1.4% 2.4% (OR, 0.57; 0.53–0.62) 2.7% 1.14; 1.05–1.23). There 33 (0.05%) serious events group 47 (0.07%) (P = .13).ConclusionsParticipation more adenomas detected with repeated sigmoidoscopy. risk perforation bleeding comparable. Clinicaltrials.gov, Number: NCT01538550. unknown. Individuals calculated. We .13). Participation