Patient Preferences Examined for CRC Screening Modalities

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 21, 2022 -- Unscreened adults aged 40 years and older at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) prefer fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-fecal DNA every three years, according to a study published online July 20 in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Katherine E. Makaroff, M.D., from Cedars-Sinai Center for Outcomes Research and Education in Los Angeles, and colleagues conducted a conjoint analysis survey among unscreened individuals aged 40 years and older at average risk for CRC to examine the relative importance of screening test attributes in their decision-making. The analyses were stratified among those aged 40 to 49 years and 50 years and older. The conjoint analysis was completed by 1,000 participants (456 aged 40 to 49 years; 544 aged 50 years or older).

The researchers found differences in test preferences between age groups when considering all five U.S. Multi Society Task Force (MSTF) recommended tests; a FIT-fecal DNA every three years was the most preferred test (34.6 percent for those aged 40 to 49 years; 37.3 percent for those aged 50 years and older). Most participants preferred an annual FIT over a colonoscopy every 10 years when considering only the U.S. MSTF tier 1 tests (68.9 percent for 40- to 49-year-olds; 77.4 percent for those aged 50 years and older).

"If we give patients a choice, we may be able to move the needle in trying to improve colorectal cancer screening rates overall, so that more people can get screened, and fewer people develop this preventable cancer," a coauthor said in a statement.

One author disclosed financial ties to Exact Sciences.