[Impact of colorectal cancer screening using an immunological assay in a basic urban health area].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the results of implementing a pilot screening program, in the Castilla y León, for colorectal cancer (CRC) with the faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) using a quantitative immunological latex agglutination assay.

METHODS

The study population included 4930 persons between 50-69 years from the Basic Health Area of Medina del Campo. Colonoscopy was performed on those who had a positive iFOBT. The rates of participation were calculated, positivity, acceptance of colonoscopy, detection of lesions, percentages and predictive positive value (PPV) of the test.

RESULTS

A total of 2241 (46.33%) people took part. There were 138 (6.15%) positive iFOBT. The rate acceptance of the colonoscopy was 99.27%. CRC was detected in 12 patients (91.66% in early stages), a high risk adenoma (HRA) in 42, and a low risk adenoma (LRA) in 34. The rates of detection were for CRCwas 5.35‰, 18.74‰ for HRA, 15.17‰ for LRA, and 39.26‰ for all kinds of adenoma. The PPV was 8.69% for CCR, 30.43% for HRA and 24.63% for LRA.

CONCLUSIONS

The CRC screening program is feasible in our context. The iFOBT indicators are superior to those of other studies performed using the classic test. The high rates of detection of CRC, and all kinds of adenoma would be enough to justify the study. These together with the diagnosis of CRC in the early stages could lead to a reduction of the mortality.