Dataset Information

General practice endorsement in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

ABSTRACT: Background and study aims Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. Early diagnosis improves survival and in light of this the NHS established the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP). This Programme offers screening using a stool testing kit (the faecal occult blood test) to 60-74 year olds. Data from 2012 shows that only 53% of those offered screening take it up and that this varies from more than 60% in the most socially advantaged areas of the country to less than 35% in the most disadvantaged areas. This study aims to increase uptake in the BCSP, and to reduce differences in uptake between the most and least socially advantaged groups, whilst ensuring that uptake does not decline in any socioeconomic (SE) group. The study will test whether or not receiving an endorsement from your GP at the same time that you receive a kit as part of the BCSP is likely to increase uptake and/or reduce SE inequalities. Who can participate? Individuals who are routinely invited for screening in the BCSP (age 60-74 with a registered GP). What does the study involve? Participants will be randomly allocated either to receive an invitation letter with a GP endorsement or the standard letter currently sent out by the BCSP without an endorsement.

DISEASE(S): Colorectal Cancer/bowel Cancer

PROVIDER: 2408955 | ecrin-mdr-crc |

REPOSITORIES: ECRIN MDR

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Project description:Background and study aims Colorectal cancer (CRC, also known as bowel cancer) is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in England. Screening the at risk population for CRC by way of biennial faecal occult blood testing (FOBt) reduces CRC deaths by detecting CRC early, at a time when it is easier to treat. In England, the National Health Service (NHS) runs an organised population-based CRC screening programme (Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, BCSP), which offers biennial screening via guaiac-based faecal occult blood testing (gFOBt) to any men and women aged 60-74. With 54% overall uptake, CRC screening has the lowest uptake rate amongst all of the organised National Cancer Screening Programmes (Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening) in England. As such, there is an important need for interventions to promote uptake of FOBt in the capital to reduce inequalities in uptake. Increasing evidence demonstrates that General Practitioner (GP) endorsement promotes CRC screening uptake and there is a growing interest in the use text-message reminders to increase participation in cancer screening. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a primary care based text-message reminder to promote CRC screening uptake in London. Who can participate? Adults aged between 60 to 75 who are eligible for bowel cancer screening. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Participants are sent an invitation letter with screening information booklet by their local Hub. They then receive the gFOBt kit and instructions 8-10 days letter. They are asked to collect samples of three separate bowel motions and send the completed kit back to the hub. A letter is sent after four weeks of non-response. Those allocated to the first group receive a text message reminder to send their kit back. Those in the second group receive the standard screening materials. Uptake in both groups will be measured at 18 weeks and compared for statistically significant differences.

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General practice endorsement in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

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