Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening in Occupational Health Surveillance Exams Is Associated With Decreased CRC...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Cancer Epidemiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended for adults aged 45-75.
• Examined CRC screening impact in a population with occupational exposures using national screening program data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of CRC screening participation on mortality within the Building Trades National Medical Screening Program (BTMed).
• To assess the effectiveness of different screening tests (gFOBT, HS-gFOBT, FIT) over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from BTMed (1998-2021) and the National Death Index.
• Employed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare participants and nonparticipants.
• Used Poisson and Cox regression for internal impact analyses of CRC screening.

Main Results:

• CRC screening participation rates increased over time: gFOBT (68.2%), HS-gFOBT (78.7%), FIT (85.9%).
• Nonparticipants had a significantly higher CRC SMR (2.04) than participants (1.07).
• Screening reduced CRC mortality by 2% (gFOBT), 12% (HS-gFOBT), and 61% (FIT).

Conclusions:

• Higher CRC screening participation was observed compared to the general population.
• Screening participation significantly reduced CRC mortality, with FIT demonstrating the most substantial impact.
• Occupational health programs should integrate CRC screening due to its significant mortality benefits.