Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Multicomponent Intervention to Increase Uptake in Patients Aged 45-49

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended from age 45.
• Limited research exists on promoting CRC screening in individuals under 50.
• Effective strategies are needed to increase screening uptake in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a multicomponent intervention on CRC screening completion.
• To evaluate screening trends in patients aged 45-49.
• To identify effective methods for promoting CRC screening in younger adults.

Main Methods:

• A multicomponent intervention was implemented for patients aged 45-49.
• Outreach included mailed fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), text messages, and emails.
• An existing standing order protocol for FIT was extended to this age group.
• Segmented linear regression analyzed screening completion trends.
• Patients aged 51-55 served as a comparison group.

Main Results:

• CRC screening completion increased significantly in the intervention group (45-49 years).
• The rate of CRC screening increased from 0.4% pre-intervention to 2.8% post-intervention.
• The intervention showed a sustained positive effect on screening completion.
• The observed increase in screening was significantly greater than in the comparison group.

Conclusions:

• The multicomponent intervention effectively increased CRC screening completion among patients aged 45-49.
• Healthcare systems should consider similar interventions to enhance CRC screening participation in this demographic.
• This study provides evidence for proactive strategies to improve early cancer detection.