Screening with the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been shown in randomized control trials to be effective in reducing mortality from colorectal cancer. Compliance to this test recommendation, however, by the general population is usually low. To evaluate different methods of increasing compliance with FOBT, using mailed test kits or order cards, with or without information leaflets, subjec...

AIM To summarize and compare worldwide colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommendations in order to identify similarities and disparities. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL and ISI Web of knowledge identifying all average-risk CRC screening guideline publications within the last ten years and/or position statements published in the la...

BACKGROUND Primary care physician (PCP) actions are pivotal to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening performance, and guidelines recommend discussion with patients about test options and potential benefits and harms. This article profiles patterns of discussion about and recommendations for screening and explores potential associations with multilevel factors (patient, clinician, practice, and envi...

BACKGROUND In average-risk individuals aged 50 to 75 years, there is no difference in life-years gained when comparing colonoscopy every 10 years vs. annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) for colorectal cancer screening. Little is known about the preferences of patients when they have experienced both tests. METHODS The study was conducted with 954 patients from the University of Iowa Hos...

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to validate self-reported colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using the National Cancer Institute Colorectal Cancer Screening questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS 890 patients, ages 50 to 75 years, from the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center were surveyed by mail. Phone administration was attempted with mail nonresponders. VA and non-VA records w...

Because acute bacterial gastroenteritis is often inflammatory, rapid stool assays that detect intestinal inflammation might be used to distinguish between bacterial and nonbacterial gastroenteritis. We performed meta-analyses to determine the discriminatory power, in developed and in resource-poor countries, of rapid stool assays that test for lactoferrin, fecal leukocytes, fecal erythrocytes, ...

BACKGROUND Evaluating trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening use is critical for understanding screening implementation, and whether population groups targeted for screening are receiving it, consistent with guidelines. This study examines recent national trends in CRC test use, including among vulnerable populations. METHODS We used the 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2008 National Health Intervi...

OBJECTIVE We examined use of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening exam modalities among county health centers and private physician offices, where both were located in the same geographic area. METHODS We surveyed 500 county health center registrants and 570 private physician patients, aged 52-75 years. We administered telephone surveys during 2004 to examine relationships among sociodemographic...