[Acceptability of the Hemoccult test in general medical practice. Results of a pilot study]

In view of preparing a controlled trial to assess the efficacy of screening for colorectal cancer by fecal occult blood testing in reducing cancer mortality, a pilot study was performed to evaluate the acceptability rate of the Hemoccult test in non selected subjects consulting in a general practice. 566 subjects aged 45 to 74 years from two small towns, Neuville-aux-Bois (Loiret) and Vicherey (Vosges) were included in the study. The screening test was proposed by GPs to 89.2% of their patients; of these, 5.6% refused the test and 9.4% did not return it. Of the tests carried out, 80.8% were performed spontaneously, and 19.2% after a recall letter. Acceptability depended neither on age or on sex. The patients' confidence in his GP was the most important acceptability factor (60%), followed by explanations the GP had provided, and ease of application. The results suggest that after receiving the correct information, a GP will succeed in prescribing the Hemoccult test to most high-risk subjects and that acceptability then proves excellent. Experience drawn from the pilot study has been very useful in conceiving the on-going controlled trial in Burgundy.