Providers have attempted to improve colorectal cancer screening rates by using risk stratification, but recent research debunked the effectiveness of the strategy, according to a study published in February issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Researchers examined 230 primary care patients that were eligible for a first-time CRC screening. They were randomized to use the National Cancer Institute's CRC risk assessment tool or educational control. The patients were then followed up with at six months and 12 months post-consultation.
Patients weren't more likely to get screened in either group. At 12 months, 38.6 percent of patients who used the risk stratification tool and 44 percent who were in the educational control group were screened.
There was no change in screening intent between the groups, but patients at highest risk (52.6 percent) were more likely to get screened than their medium- or low-risk counterparts.
Researchers concluded: "Risk assessment did not increase screening participation or intent. Risk stratification might motivate persons classified as higher CRC risk to complete screening, but unintentionally discourage screening among persons not identified as higher risk."