A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that an at-home colorectal cancer screening test can be as effective as a colonoscopy in reducing the risk of death from this disease. Researchers from Ohio State University and Kaiser Permanente found that the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), when done annually, can lower the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 11,000 patients, is the first to evaluate FIT’s effectiveness across specific racial groups. Dr. Chyke Doubeni, chief equity officer at the Wexner Medical Center, emphasized the importance of accessible screening methods, noting that only about 60% of Americans aged 45-75 are up to date with screening.
“The right screening test is the one that gets done – and is done well,” said Dr. Doubeni. He added that non-invasive screening methods like FIT could help save more lives by making screening more accessible, particularly in underserved communities where colorectal cancer screening rates are very low.
The study found that FIT screening was associated with lower risk of colorectal cancer death among non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White people. This is particularly significant given that Black patients are 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40% more likely to die from the disease compared to non-Hispanic White patients, according to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Douglas Corley, chief research officer from Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, noted that providing multiple screening methods has increased participation to over 80% in their setting, which has been associated with approximately a 50% reduction in colorectal cancer deaths. The researchers hope that these findings will encourage broader implementation of at-home testing programs to increase screening rates and address racial disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes.
See “At-Home Colon Cancer Test Proves Just As Effective as a Colonoscopy” (August 1, 2024)
