Screening sigmoidoscopy: a randomised trial of invitation style

To examine uptake rates for screening sigmoidoscopy and whether offering prior consultation about sigmoidoscopic screening improves the uptake rate.

Patients between 50.5-60.5 years of age registered with one practice were identified and offered screening sigmoidoscopy. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The first group was sent an invitation to have screening sigmoidoscopy along with an explanatory leaflet. The second group was sent the same invitation and leaflet but with an added option to discuss the test in the first instance with their general practitioner. Response rates (regarding reply to initial invitation and subsequent attendance for screening) in the two groups were measured.

Urban General Practice, Dundee, Scotland, UK.

The overall uptake rate was low at 24%. Significantly fewer people in the second group (i.e. those with the option to discuss first) replied to the initial invitation. Assessing those who did reply, there was no difference between the two groups in numbers who thereafter went on to attend for screening. Only two percent of people took up the offer to find out more about the test from their general practitioner.

The offer of flexible sigmoidoscopy as a screening test for colorectal cancer generates little interest in this population at present and compliance rates are low. The offer of prior consultation about the procedure with a patient's own general practitioner is not sufficient to generate interest. These results highlight potential difficulties with the introduction of a mass screening program.