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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
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E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
Validity of self-reported colorectal cancer screening behavior
1American Medical Center Cancer Research Center, Lakewood, Colorado 80214, USA. baierm@amc.org
Summary
Reliable colorectal cancer screening data can be collected via telephone interviews. Carefully phrased questions ensure accurate self-reported screening behavior for intervention trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Cancer screening trials often rely on self-reported data.
- Accurate measurement of screening behavior is crucial for trial validity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and optimize the reliability of computer-assisted telephone interviews for collecting self-reported colorectal cancer screening behavior.
- To assess the accuracy of self-reported screening compared to medical records.
Main Methods:
- A study involving adults aged 40-75 years at Denver Kaiser Permanente.
- Comparison of self-reported screening (fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy) with health plan records.
- Revision of the interview questionnaire based on pilot study results.
Main Results:
- High sensitivity for self-reported screening: FOBT (96.2%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (94.9%), colonoscopy (88.7%).
- High specificity for self-reported screening: FOBT (85.9%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (92.2%), colonoscopy (96.8%).
- Accuracy was consistent across demographic groups (gender, age, ethnicity, family history).
Conclusions:
- Self-reported colorectal cancer screening behavior is reliable for intervention trials when using a carefully designed questionnaire.
- Computer-assisted telephone interviews can effectively capture accurate screening data.
- Validated self-report measures support the use of screening behavior as trial endpoints.
