[Participation indicators of colorectal screenings in Hungary between 2008-2021]

The aim of our study is to analyse the participation indicators of colorectal cancer screening between 2008-2021. Data derived from the nationwide financing database of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund Management. We analysed both diagnostic and screening examinations. According to our results, the screening rate was low, varying between 5.1-6.8% in the years examined. Between 2008 and 2019, the number of participating patients increased slightly. The highest number of patients can be observed in 2019 (178,568 people). In 2020 and 2021, we see a significant decrease, which is a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the number of patients of the entire examined period (2,233,963 people, 938,223 men, 1,295,740 women), the largest proportion was fecal blood detection by immunochemical method (OENO code: 22631). In 2021, at the county level, the highest number of patients can be seen in Csongrád-Csanád county (994 patients/10,000 people), and the least in Békés county (218 patients/10,000 people). The participation rate of women is higher than that of men in all counties. Participation in colorectal screening is very low. In order to prevent colorectal cancer death, it is necessary to increase the participation rate.