Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Noncolorectal Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
• Understanding screening behaviors among cancer survivors is vital for comprehensive survivorship care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of CRC screening among cancer survivors.
• To compare CRC screening likelihood in cancer survivors versus the cancer-free population.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major biomedical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL).
• Random effects meta-analyses to pool prevalence and odds ratio estimates.
• Stratified analyses by primary cancer site where feasible.

Main Results:

• Pooled CRC screening prevalence was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.61) among cancer survivors.
• Cancer survivors demonstrated a higher likelihood of CRC screening (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.52) compared to cancer-free individuals.
• Significant heterogeneity was observed, influenced by study design, screening ascertainment method, and primary cancer site.

Conclusions:

• Cancer survivors are more likely to undergo CRC screening than their cancer-free counterparts.
• Overall CRC screening rates among survivors fall short of recommended population-based screening levels.
• Further research is needed to identify barriers to CRC screening adherence in cancer survivors.