Low uptake of colorectal cancer screening 3 yr after release of national recommendations for screening.

BACKGROUND

National guidelines recommending colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for average risk Canadians were released in 2001. The current study determined rates of CRC screening and predictors of screening 3 yr after the guidelines were released.

METHOD

A population-based random digit dial telephone survey of 1,808 Alberta men and women aged 50-74 yr assessed awareness about, and self-reported rates of, screening.

RESULTS

More average risk women than men reported a recent screening with a home fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (14.0%vs 9.8%, P= 0.013) but men had slightly higher rates of screening endoscopy in the past 5 yr (4.3%vs 1.6%, P= 0.003). Overall, only 14.3% of average risk adults (N = 1,476) were up-to-date on CRC screening. Multivariable predictors of being up-to-date on CRC screening differed for men and women although a doctor's recommendation for screening was a strong predictor for both genders (men OR 5.0, 2.9-8.3, women OR 3.8, 2.3-6.5). Screening for other cancers was also an important predictor in both men and women.

CONCLUSION

Three years after the release of national guidelines, rates of screening among average risk adults aged 50-74 yr were very low. Public education programs and primary care interventions to specifically invite average risk adults for screening may be required to increase CRC screening rates.