Experience with a colorectal cancer campaign in Swiss pharmacies

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Screening with several methods can accurately detect early-stage cancer and polyps and reduce colorectal cancer mortality in adults aged 50 to 75 years. Objective Test the feasibility, interest and potential impact of a colorectal cancer screening in Swiss community pharmacies. Setting 771 community pharmacies of Switzerland participated in a 6-week campaign. Method The pharmacists evaluated the risk factors through a questionnaire among individuals aged between 50 to 75 years old who did not have had a colonoscopy over the previous 10 years. Pharmacists delivered a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) to those without risk. Patients with identified risk factors or with a positive result were referred to a physician. Patients with a negative result were given lifestyle advice and invited for a new screening in two years. Main outcome measure The impact was measured through the number of persons screened, of tests delivered and of referrals to a physician performed. Results Within 6 weeks, 23,024 persons were screened in pharmacies. In total, 760 patients (3%) had risk factors and were directly referred to physicians. The remaining 22,264 received a FIT, and 97% of these individuals performed and sent the FIT to the laboratory. Of the 21,701 tests analysed, 93% were negative. All individuals with positive results (7%) were referred to a physician. Conclusion Having the opportunity to take colorectal cancer prevention measures with a low threshold, like in a community pharmacy encourages the population to perform the screening.