Non-completion of colorectal cancer screening among Alaska Native people in an intervention trial

The Alaska Tribal Health System is working to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Alaska Native peoples. It is unknown why people who initially agree might not follow through with screening completion.

As part of a larger intervention (NCT04336397) investigating multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test use in rural Alaska communities, we interviewed Alaska Native people who had agreed to colonoscopy or a mt-sDNA kit sent to their home, but who did not complete their selected test.

Of 531 people who initially agreed but did not complete screening, 299 (56%) were able to be contacted for a follow-up survey. Of those, 256 (86%) answered the survey; 187/224 (83%) who had chosen mt-sDNA, and 69/75 (93%) who had chosen colonoscopy. Reported reasons for non-completion of stool DNA test kits included being busy or forgetting, being uncomfortable doing a stool test, and not knowing how to do the test or concerns over how to return the kit for processing. Reasons for non-completion of colonoscopy included scheduling issues, physical health issues, travel, and housing barriers, as well as cost, fear, and being too busy. Of note, many respondents in both groups indicated they would still be interested in CRC screening in the future or were currently pursuing screening.

This was the first exploration of reasons for non-adherence to CRC screening after initial test request by Alaska Native people. Many of the identified themes are amenable to health care system changes for future intervention to improve screening outreach and uptake.