Colorectal Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Colorectal Cancer, including details on symptoms, genetics, screening, treatment, information.

Screening preferences of patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer.

Schroy Iii PC, Glick JT, Robinson PA, Heeren T

Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. paul.schroy@bmc.org

Our primary objective was to assess the screening preferences of patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer. Asymptomatic subjects aged 18-75 with a single first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer (n = 48) or polyps (n = 52) were asked to identify a preferred screening strategy, test features influencing their choice, and level of interest in decision-making after reviewing a decision aid describing the pros and cons of currently recommended screening tests. Although both groups preferred colonoscopy, 40% of subjects with a family history of colorectal cancer and 48% of those with a family history of polyps preferred alternative strategies. Accuracy was the most commonly identified test feature influencing test preference. Most subjects (66%) felt that selection of screening test should be a patient dominant or shared process. We conclude that patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer have distinct screening preferences that often vary from current recommendations.

Published 6 September 2007 in Dig Dis Sci, 52(10): 2788-95.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Colorectal Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.