A study published in Gastroenterology explored how organized colorectal cancer screening programs impacted community-based populations' screening rates.
Researchers analyzed screening rates, age-adjusted CRC incidence and incidence-based mortality rates in large, community-based populations before and after an organized CRC screening program was implemented.
Here's what you should know:
1. Before the implementation, the community touted a 38.9 percent screening rate in 2000. After the program was implemented, the rate rose to 82.7 percent in 2015.
2. Researchers found higher rates were associated with a 25.5 percent decrease in CRC incidence rates and a 52.4 percent reduction in mortality rates.
3. The screening program decreased advanced-stage CRC incidence rate 36.2 percent and early-stage incidence rate 14.5 percent.
Researchers concluded, "Implementing an organized CRC screening program in a large, community-based population rapidly increased screening participation to the ≥80 percent target set by national organizations. Screening rates were sustainable and associated with substantial decreases in CRC incidence and mortality within short time intervals, consistent with early detection and cancer prevention."