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190

POST-COLONOSCOPY SCREENING FOR COLORECTAL CANCER: KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

RL Walker, RJ Hilsden, SE McGregor, MJ Verhoef
University of Calgary, Calgary; Alberta Cancer Board, Edmonton, Alberta

OBJECTIVE: To determine what information patients receive throughout the process of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and to identify potential knowledge gaps and information needs of patients undergoing screening colonoscopy.
METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 630 people who underwent screening colonoscopy from January to May 2006 in Calgary, Alberta. Questionnaires were mailed out one week post-colonoscopy and participants were asked questions regarding what type of information they received from their family physician and from the colonoscopy clinic throughout screening and what additional information they would have liked to receive.
RESULTS: 46% of patients were male; 77% of patients were over age 50. The table below identifies information patients received throughout screening.
Of those who received screening test results, 72% reported negative results and 23% positive. The majority of patients (79%) were told when to have their next colonoscopy. Among those patients, 48% with negative test results and no family history of CRC were recommended to repeat colonoscopy in 3 to 5 years. Common additional information patients requested included written copy of test results (42%), preventive measures (40%) and information on different CRC screening tests (24%).
Type of information received fromn (%)
Family Physician  
No information303 (48)
Colonoscopy232 (37)
Different screening tests76 (12)
Colonoscopy Clinic  
What to expect during procedure434 (69)
Risks of colonoscopy263 (42)
Test results585 (93)
Written copy of test results84 (13)

CONCLUSIONS: Most colonoscopy screening patients received test results however not all patients are being informed about screening test options, the risks of colonoscopy, and proper follow-up screening intervals. It is unclear why 48% of patients with negative test results and no family history are recommended to have a repeat colonoscopy in 3 to 5 years rather than the 10 year interval commonly recommended. Health care providers may want to incorporate a written copy of test results, information on prevention and different screening options into the screening process. It is important that educational strategies be developed for family physicians and specialists to address informational needs of those undergoing screening colonoscopy.
RL Walker holds a AHFRM Graduate Health Research Studentship

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