Interval Cancer in Population-Based Colorectal Screening Programmes: Incidence and Characteristics of Tumours.

The objective of this study is to evaluate interval cancer (IC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, which is CRC diagnosed in an individual after having received a negative faecal occult blood test and before the next invitation to participate in screening. A follow-up study was conducted on a cohort of participants in the first three screening rounds of four colorectal cancer screening programmes in Spain, n = 664,993. A total of 321 ICs and 2120 screen-detected cancers (SCs) were found. The IC and SC rates were calculated for each guaiac (gFOBT) or immunochemical (FIT) test. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) of IC risk factors. A nested case-control study was carried out to compare IC and SC tumour characteristics. The IC rate was 1.16‱ with the gFOBT and 0.35‱ with the FIT. Men and people aged 60-69 showed an increased probability of IC (HR = 1.81 and HR = 1.95, respectively). There was a decreased probability of IC in individuals who regularly participated in screening, HR = 0.62 (0.47-0.82). IC risk gradually rose as the amount of Hb detected in the FIT increased. IC tumours were in more advanced stages and of a larger size than SC tumours, and they were mostly located in the cecum. These results may play a key role in future strategies for screening programmes, reducing IC incidence.

One or two faecal immunochemical tests in an organised population-based colorectal cancer screening programme in Murcia (Spain).

OBJECTIVE: Roll-out of population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is limited by availability of further investigations, particularly colonoscopy and examination of excised lesions. Our objective was to assess whether variation in number of faecal samples and threshold adjustment can optimise resource utilisation and CRC detection rate. METHODS: Three different screening strategies were compared for the same FIT threshold using a quantitative FIT system: one FIT, positive when >20 µg Hb/g faeces; two FIT, positive when either was >20 µg Hb/g faeces; and two FIT, positive when the mean was >20 µg Hb/g faeces. We calculated changes in the size of population the provider could invite to screening for an equal number of screening positive results, and CRC and adenoma detected. RESULTS: In our setting, Region of Murcia, south of Spain (not fully rolled out screening programme), changing the usual strategy of two FIT, positive when either to positive when the mean was >20 µg Hb/g faeces, would increase population invited by 37.81% with the same number of positive results (which would generate a CRC detection rate of 19.2%). In a fully rolled out programme, changing the strategy from one to two FIT (positive when the mean is >20 µg Hb/g faeces), would increase CRC detection rate by 4.64% with an increase of only 13.34% in positive FIT. CONCLUSIONS: In a population-based CRC screening programme, smart use of number of FITs and positivity threshold can increase population invited and CRC detection without increasing the number of colonoscopies and pathological examinations needed.

Optimal cut-off value for detecting colorectal cancer with fecal immunochemical tests according to age and sex.

In the fecal immunological test, a suitable cut-off value may be selected to classify results as either positive or negative. Our aim is to estimate the optimal cut-off value for detecting colorectal cancer in different age and sex groups. This is a multicentric retrospective cohort study of participants in CRC screening programs with FIT between 2006 and 2012. A total of 545,505 participations were analyzed. Cancers diagnosed outside of the program were identified after a negative test result (IC_test) up until 2014. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare fecal hemoglobin levels. ROC curves were used to identify the optimal cut-off value for each age and sex group. Screening program results were estimated for different cut-off values. The results show that the Hb concentration was higher in colorectal cancer (average = 179.6µg/g) vs. false positives (average = 55.2µg/g), in IC_test (average = 3.1µg/g) vs. true negatives (average = 0µg/g), and in men (average = 166.2µg/g) vs. women (average = 140.2µg/g) with colorectal cancer. The optimal cut-off values for women were 18.3µg/g (50-59y) and 14.6µg/g (60-69y), and 16.8µg/g (50-59y) and 19.9µg/g (60-69y) for men. Using different cut-off values for each age and sex group lead to a decrease in the IC_test rate compared to the 20µg/g cut-off value (from 0.40‰ to 0.37‰) and an increase in the false positive rate (from 6.45% to 6.99%). Moreover, test sensitivity improved (90.7%), especially in men and women aged 50-59y (89.4%; 90%) and women aged 60-69y (90.2%). In conclusion, the optimal cut-off value varies for different sex and age groups and the use of an optimal cut-off value for each group improves sensitivity and leads to a small decrease in IC_tests, but also to a larger increase in false positives.

[Evaluation of a public health program on early HIV diagnosis with quick test]. / Evaluación de un programa de salud pública sobre diagnostico precoz de VIH con prueba rápida.

OBJECTIVE: The use of HIV planned and structured, community-based rapid tests is one of the main strategies for the early detection of HIV infection. The objective of the study was to assess the HIV early diagnosis programme with rapid test in the Region of Murcia. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of the programme users' epidemiological data during the years 2016 to 2018. Variables related to sociodemographic characteristics, risk exposure, history of HIV test performance and its result were analyzed. All analyzes were performed with statistical software IBM SPSS25 and Microsoft Excel version 2013. Frequencies were calculated in absolute values and the variables of interest were crosshead. RESULTS: There were 1,023 people tested, of which 74% performed risky sexual practices in the last 12 months, both homosexual (50%) and heterosexual (45%), with an age between 18 and 40 years. 18.2% of the users were foreigners and 61.9% had been previously tested. Among the participants in the programme the percentage of reactive tests was 2.1% and the contribution to the diagnosis of new HIV cases in the Region was 4.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study show that the community-based programme is an effective tool for the diagnosis of HIV infection in vulnerable groups. In addition, several opportunities for improvement were identified in the process assessment, such as accessibility to the program and the collection of information.

OBJETIVO: Entre las principales estrategias para la detección precoz de la infección por VIH se encuentra la utilización planificada y estructurada de pruebas rápidas en entornos comunitarios especialmente vulnerables. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el programa de diagnóstico precoz de VIH con prueba rápida de la Región de Murcia. METODOS: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los datos epidemiológicos de la población participante en el programa durante los años 2016 a 2018. Se analizaron variables relacionadas con características sociodemográficas, exposición de riesgo, antecedentes de realización de la determinación de VIH y resultado de la prueba. Todos los análisis se realizaron con el software estadístico IBM SPSS25 y Microsoft Excel versión 2013. Se calcularon frecuencias en valores absolutos y los porcentajes correspondientes, y se cruzaron las variables de interés. RESULTADOS: Se caracterizaron 1.023 personas participantes, de las que el 74% realizaron prácticas sexuales de riesgo en los últimos 12 meses, tanto de carácter homosexual (50%) como heterosexual (45%), con una edad comprendida entre los 18 y los 40 años. El 18,2% eran extranjeros, y el 61,9% se había realizado la prueba anteriormente. Entre los participantes, el porcentaje de pruebas reactivas fue del 2,1%, y la contribución al diagnóstico de nuevos casos de VIH en la Región fue del 4,3%. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados del estudio ponen de manifiesto que el programa es una herramienta eficaz para el diagnóstico de la infección por VIH en colectivos vulnerables. Además, en el proceso de evaluación se identifican varias oportunidades de mejora como son la accesibilidad al programa y la recogida de información.

Risk factors for severe complications of colonoscopy in screening programs.

Severe complications (SC) in colonoscopy represent the most important adverse effect of colorectal cancer screening programs (CRCSP). The objective is to evaluate the risk factors for SC in colonoscopy indicated after a positive fecal occult blood test in population-based CRCSP. The SC (n = 161) identified from 48,730 diagnostic colonoscopies performed in a cohort of all the women and men invited from 2000 to 2012 in 6 CRCSP in Spain. A total of 318 controls were selected, matched for age, sex and period when the colonoscopy was performed. Conditional logistic regression models were estimated. The analysis was performed separately in groups: immediate-SC (same day of the colonoscopy); late-SC (between 1 and 30 days after); perforation; and bleeding events. SC occurred in 3.30‰ of colonoscopies. Prior colon disease showed a higher risk of SC (OR = 4.87). Regular antiplatelet treatment conferred a higher risk of overall SC (OR = 2.80) and late-SC (OR = 9.26), as did regular anticoagulant therapy (OR = 3.47, OR = 7.36). A history of pelvic-surgery or abdominal-radiotherapy was a risk factor for overall SC (OR = 5.03), immediate-SC (OR = 8.49), late-SC (OR = 4.65) and perforation (OR = 21.59). A finding of adenoma or cancer also showed a higher risk of overall SC (OR = 8.71), immediate-SC (OR = 12.67), late-SC (OR = 4.08), perforation (OR = 4.69) and bleeding (OR = 17.02). The risk of SC doesn't vary depending on the type of preparation or type of anesthesia. Knowing the clinical history of patients such as regular previous medication and history of surgery or radiotherapy, as well as the severity of the findings during the colonoscopy process could help to focus prevention measures in order to minimize SC in CRCSP.

Factors influencing participation in colorectal cancer screening programs in Spain.

To analyze the sociodemographic and organizational factors influencing participation in population-based colorectal cancer screening programs (CRCSP) in Spain, a retrospective study was conducted in a cohort of people invited to participate in the first 3 screening rounds of 6 CRCSP from 2000 to 2012. Mixed logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic and organizational factors, such as the type of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) used and the FOBT delivery type. The analysis was performed separately in groups (Initial screening-first invitation, Subsequent invitation for previous never-responders, Subsequent invitation-regular, Subsequent invitation-irregular intervals). The results showed that, in the Initial screening-first invitation group, participation was higher in women than in men in all age groups (OR 1.05 in persons aged 50-59years and OR 1.12 in those aged 60-69years). Participation was also higher when no action was required to receive the FOBT kit, independently of the type of screening (Initial screening-first invitation [OR 2.24], Subsequent invitation for previous never-responders [OR 2.14], Subsequent invitation-regular [OR 2.03], Subsequent invitation-irregular intervals [OR 9.38]) and when quantitative rather than qualitative immunological FOBT (FIT) was offered (Initial screening-first invitation [OR 0.70], Subsequent invitation for previous never-responders [OR 0.12], Subsequent invitation-regular [OR 0.20]) or guaiac testing (Initial screening-first invitation [OR 0.81], Subsequent invitation for previous never-responders [OR 0.88], Subsequent invitation-regular [OR 0.73]). In conclusion, the results of this study show that screening participation could be enhanced by inclusion of the FOBT kit with the screening invitation and the use of the quantitative FIT.

[Lesions Detected in Six Spanish Colorectal Cancer Screening Population Based Programmes. CRIBEA Project. Spain]. / Lesiones detectadas en seis programas poblacionales de cribado de cáncer colorrectal en España. Proyecto CRIBEA.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the results of six Colorectal Cancer Screening Population Programmes are shown (Catalonia, Valence, Murcia, Cantabria, the Basque Country and the Canary Islands collected between 2005 and 2012. These programmes use the faeces occult blood test (FOBt) biennial. Objective: To determine and compare the results of lesions detected by the programmes, participation, sex, age and test used. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study based on people invited, aged between 50-74 years, in at least a complete round. Lesions considered: Advanced Adenomas (AA), Colorectal Invasive Cancer (CRC) and both of them, known as Advanced Neoplasia (AN). Logistic Regression and time trends are used. RESULTS: 1,995,719 of invitations registered, with an average participation-rate of 46.7%. 21,228 Advanced Neoplasias (2,813 CRC and 18,415 AA). Differences in detection rates observed between programmes (varying from 15.1‰ to 35.8‰ between participants). Participation rates were related to lesions' detection rates (OR 1.25 in 40-60% of participation). . Inmunochemical qualitative test showed an OR of 4.79 and quantitative test an OR of 7.30 over the guaiac test. Men showed an OR of 2.73 with respect to women. In 2012 the Advanced Neoplasia rate for women and men was 33.1 and 14.2 by 1,000 participants. CONCLUSIONS: The test used was the most important factor for detecting lesions. Time trends showed an increase in detected lesions caused by the change of the type of test in 2010.

OBJETIVO: En este estudio se presentan los resultados de seis programas poblacionales de cribado de cáncer colorrectal desde 2005 a 2012 (Cataluña, Valencia, Murcia, Cantabria, País Vasco y Canarias) que utilizan diferentes tipos de test de cribado de sangre oculta en heces (SOH) bienal. El objetivo fue describir y comparar los resultados en cuanto a lesiones detectadas tanto por programa, participación, sexo, edad, tipo de test y comunidad autónoma. METODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de las personas participantes en al menos una ronda completa cuya edad estaba comprendida entre los 50 y los 74 años. Lesiones consideradas: adenomas avanzados (AA), cáncer aolorrectal invasivo (CCR) y la suma de ambos, neoplasia avanzada (NA). Se realizó un nálisis de regresión logística y estudio de tendencias temporales. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 1.995.719 participaciones, lo que supuso el 46,7% de las invitaciones a participar. Se detectaron 21.228 neoplasias avanzadas (2.813 CCR y 18.415 AA). Se observaron diferencias en la detección de neoplasia avanzada (NA) entre los programas variando entre 15,1‰ y 35,8‰ participantes. La participación se relacionó con las tasas de detección (OR: 1,25 en 40-60% de participación). El test inmunoquímico cualitativo obtuvo una OR de 4,79 y el cuantitativo de 7,30 sobre guayaco. Los hombres tuvieron una OR de 2,73 sobre las mujeres, observándose en el 2012 una tasa de detección de neoplasia avanzada en hombres y mujeres de 33,1 y 14,2 x 1.000 respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: El tipo de test resultó el factor más determinante en la detección de lesiones. Las tendencias temporales mostraron un aumento de la tasa de detección por el cambio de test a partir del 2010.

Implementation of colorectal cancer screening in Spain: main results 2006-2011.

The Spanish Cancer Screening Network involves the participation of all regional programmes and has been working for over 20 years to co-ordinate strategies and implement quality assurance in current and new regional programmes. In colorectal cancer, the target population is the group aged 50-69 years, who are offered biennial testing using the faecal occult blood test in all programmes, with follow-up colonoscopy if the faecal occult blood test is positive. This article presents the main trends, indicators and differences by sex. The main indicators from 2006 to 2011 were analysed: coverage, participation rate, positivity rate, colonoscopy uptake and lesions detected. Annual trends were adjusted by sex and region. In 2011, coverage was 9.74% of the Spanish target population. A total of 1 001 669 first invitations were registered from 2006 to 2011 and 596 649 individuals participated in the programmes (43.83% participation rate). Results were positive in 30 544 individuals (5.47%), with the lowest positivity rate occurring in 2007 (3.06%) and the highest in 2011 (6.30%) (P<0.001). In all, 27 568 colonoscopies were registered, with a high compliance rate (90.00% in 2011 and 95.59% in 2007) (P=0.381). The adenoma and colorectal cancer detection rates increased over the period, reaching 32.25/1000 and 3.42/1000 participants in 2011, respectively (P<0.001 and P=0.001). Comparison of differences by sex showed that detection rates were significantly higher in men than in women (P<0.001). Participation increased over time and has now reached an acceptable rate. Men show low participation but higher detection rates, indicating the need for further intervention. The Spanish Cancer Screening Network provides common evaluation, performance and organizational benchmarking.

Impact of age- and gender-specific cut-off values for the fecal immunochemical test for hemoglobin in colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: There is no information on the impact of age and gender on the diagnostic yield of different positivity thresholds for the fecal immunochemical test for hemoglobin (FIT). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of this test at distinct positivity cut-offs in a population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program. METHODS: CRC detection rate (DR), and analysis of resources were evaluated retrospectively, at different cut-offs of FIT (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40µg Hb/g) respect to a reference value (15µg Hb/g), according to age and gender, in a screening population of 10,611 participants of the ColonPrev study (Quintero. NEJM 2013). RESULTS: At the reference cut-off value, 36 CRC and 252 advanced adenomas (AA) were diagnosed. Increasing the cut-off in women ≤60 years decreases colonoscopies performed by 44.5% without modifying the CRC (DR). Same CRC DR was observed in men ≤60 years and women >60 years increasing cut-off at 25-30µg Hb/g. In men >60 years, all increases in the cut-off affected the CRC DR, especially when the cut-off was increased from 35 to 40µg Hb/g (CRC miss rate 25%). CONCLUSIONS: To improve the performance of FIT in CRC screening programs, FIT cut-offs could be individualized by age and gender.

Intermediate-risk patients with three to four small adenomas should be considered low risk for colorectal cancer screening.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Intermediate-risk patients following a colorectal cancer screening program may have differential risk of advanced lesions depending on the findings of an index colonoscopy. The aim of the present study was to comparatively assess advanced colorectal neoplasia risk at the first follow-up colonoscopy among the different intermediate-risk subgroups with a focus on patients with three to four adenomas. METHODS: All patients recruited for a baseline screening colonoscopy between 2006 and 2011 were included. Number, size and histopathological characteristics of adenomas were collected. Main outcome was an advanced colorectal neoplasia detection rate (invasive carcinoma or advanced adenoma) at the first follow-up colonoscopy. Low- and high-risk patients were excluded. RESULTS: Five hundred and sixty-one intermediate-risk patients (63.3% men, mean age: 59.01 ± 6.16 years) underwent indexing and follow-up colonoscopy. By multivariate analysis, three to four adenomas (OR: 3.613 [95% CI: 1.661-7.859], P = 0.001) and adenoma size ≥10 <20 mm (OR: 3.374 [95% CI: 1.618-7.034], P = 0.001) were independent factors associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia. Advanced lesions were detected in 7.66% of cases. Of patients with advanced colorectal neoplasia, 51.16% belonged to the three-to-four-adenoma group and ≥1 of ≥10 <20-mm subgroups (n = 132, 23.53%). These patients demonstrated a higher rate of advanced lesions [OR: 3.886 (95% CI: 2.061-7.325), P < 0.001] than patients with three to four small adenomas of <10 mm (16.67% vs 5.07%, P < 0.001). The association between patients with small adenomas (n = 217, 38.68%) and advanced lesions was not significant (OR: 0.521 [95% CI: 0257-1.056], P = 0.066). CONCLUSION: Intermediate-risk patients with three to four small adenomas achieved a very low advanced lesion rate at follow up. Surveillance interval should be lengthened because these patients should be considered low risk.

Participation and detection rates by age and sex for colonoscopy versus fecal immunochemical testing in colorectal cancer screening.

PURPOSE: To compare two strategies for colorectal cancer screening: one-time colonoscopy versus fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) (and colonoscopy for positive) every 2 years, in order to determine which strategy provides the highest participation and detection rates in groups of sex and age. METHODS: This analysis was performed with data from the first screening round within the COLONPREV study, a population-based, multicenter, nationwide trial carried out in Spain. Several logistic regression models were applied to identify the influence of the screening test on participation rates and detection of proximal and distal neoplasms, as well to identify the influence of age and sex: women aged 50-59 years, women aged 60-69 years, men aged 50-59 years, and men aged 60-69 years. RESULTS: Participation was higher in women than in men, especially among women aged 50-59 years (25.91 % for colonoscopy and 35.81 % for FIT). Crossover from colonoscopy to FIT was higher among women than men, especially among those aged 60-69 years (30.37 %). In general, detection of any neoplasm and advanced adenoma was higher with colonoscopy than with FIT, but no significant differences were found between the two strategies for colorectal cancer detection. Detection of advanced adenoma in both arms was lower in women [specifically in women aged 50-59 years (OR 0.31; 95 % CI 0.25-0.38) than in men aged 60-69 years]. Women aged 50-59 years in the colonoscopy arm had a higher probability of detection of advanced adenoma (OR 4.49; 95 % CI 3.18-6.35), as well as of detection of neoplasms in proximal and distal locations (proximal OR 19.34; 95 % CI 12.07-31.00; distal OR 11.04; 95 % CI 8.13-15.01) than women of the same age in the FIT arm. These differences were also observed in the remaining groups but to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION: Women were more likely to participate in a FIT-based strategy, especially those aged 50-59 years. The likelihood of detection of any neoplasm was higher in the colonoscopy arm for all the population groups studied, especially in women aged 50-59 years. Distinct population groups should be informed of the benefits of each screening strategy so that they may take informed decisions.

Rate of detection of advanced neoplasms in proximal colon by simulated sigmoidoscopy vs fecal immunochemical tests.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We compared the ability of biennial fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and one-time sigmoidoscopy to detect colon side-specific advanced neoplasms in a population-based, multicenter, nationwide, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: We identified asymptomatic men and women, 50-69 years old, through community health registries and randomly assigned them to groups that received a single colonoscopy examination or biennial FIT. Sigmoidoscopy yield was simulated from results obtained from the colonoscopy group, according to the criteria proposed in the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Trial for colonoscopy referral. Patients who underwent FIT and were found to have ≥75 ng hemoglobin/mL were referred for colonoscopy. Data were analyzed from 5059 subjects in the colonoscopy group and 10,507 in the FIT group. The main outcome was rate of detection of any advanced neoplasm proximal to the splenic flexure. RESULTS: Advanced neoplasms were detected in 317 subjects (6.3%) in the sigmoidoscopy simulation group compared with 288 (2.7%) in the FIT group (odds ratio for sigmoidoscopy, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-2.70; P = .0001). Sigmoidoscopy also detected advanced distal neoplasia in a higher percentage of patients than FIT (odds ratio, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.20-3.10; P = .0001). The methods did not differ significantly in identifying patients with advanced proximal neoplasms (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.76; P = .44). This was probably due to the lower performance of both strategies in detecting patients with proximal lesions (sigmoidoscopy detected these in 19.1% of patients and FIT in 14.9% of patients) vs distal ones (sigmoidoscopy detected these in 86.8% of patients and FIT in 33.5% of patients). Sigmoidoscopy, but not FIT, detected proximal lesions in lower percentages of women (especially those 50-59 years old) than men. CONCLUSIONS: Sigmoidoscopy and FIT have similar limitations in detecting advanced proximal neoplasms, which depend on patients' characteristics; sigmoidoscopy underperforms for women 50-59 years old. Screening strategies should be designed on the basis of target population to increase effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00906997.

Economic evaluation of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Because of its incidence and mortality colorectal cancer represents a serious public health issue in industrial countries. In order to reduce its social impact a number of screening strategies have been implemented, which allow an early diagnosis and treatment. These basically include faecal tests and studies that directly explore the colon and rectum. No strategy, whether alone or combined, has proven definitively more effective than the rest, but any such strategy is better than no screening at all. Selecting the most efficient strategy for inclusion in a population-wide program is an uncertain choice. Here we review the evidence available on the various economic evaluations, and conclude that no single method has been clearly identified as most cost-effective; further research in this setting is needed once common economic evaluation standards are established in order to alleviate the methodological heterogeneity prevailing in study results.

Risk of advanced proximal neoplasms according to distal colorectal findings: comparison of sigmoidoscopy-based strategies.

BACKGROUND: Screening for colorectal cancer with sigmoidoscopy benefits from the fact that distal findings predict the risk of advanced proximal neoplasms (APNs). This study was aimed at comparing the existing strategies of postsigmoidoscopy referral to colonoscopy in terms of accuracy and resources needed. METHODS: Asymptomatic individuals aged 50-69 years were eligible for a randomized controlled trial designed to compare colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test. Sigmoidoscopy yield was estimated from results obtained in the colonoscopy arm according to three sets of criteria of colonoscopy referral (from those proposed in the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Screening for COlon REctum [SCORE], and Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention [NORCCAP] trials). Advanced neoplasm detection rate, sensitivity, specificity, and number of individuals needed to refer for colonoscopy to detect one APN were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify distal findings associated with APN. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: APN was found in 255 of 5059 (5.0%) individuals. Fulfillment of UK (6.2%), SCORE (12.0%), and NORCCAP (17.9%) criteria varied statistically significantly (P < .001). The NORCCAP strategy obtained the highest sensitivity for APN detection (36.9%), and the UK approach reached the highest specificity (94.6%). The number of individuals needed to refer for colonoscopy to detect one APN was 6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4 to 7), 8 (95% CI = 6 to 9), and 10 (95% CI = 8 to 12) when the UK, SCORE, and NORCCAP criteria were used, respectively. The logistic regression analysis identified distal adenoma ≥10 mm (odds ratio = 3.77; 95% CI = 2.52 to 5.65) as the strongest independent predictor of APN. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the NORCCAP criteria achieved the highest sensitivity for APN detection, the UK recommendations benefited from the lowest number of individuals needed to refer for colonoscopy.

Relationship of colonoscopy-detected serrated polyps with synchronous advanced neoplasia in average-risk individuals.

BACKGROUND: Serrated cancers account for 10% to 20% of all colorectal cancers (CRC) and more than 30% of interval cancers. The presence of proximal serrated polyps and large (≥10 mm) serrated polyps (LSP) has been correlated with colorectal neoplasia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of serrated polyps and their association with synchronous advanced neoplasia in a cohort of average-risk population and to assess the efficacy of one-time colonoscopy and a biennial fecal immunochemical test for reducing CRC-related mortality. This study focused on the sample of 5059 individuals belonging to the colonoscopy arm. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: The ColonPrev study, a population-based, multicenter, nationwide, randomized, controlled trial. PATIENTS: A total of 5059 asymptomatic men and women aged 50 to 69 years. INTERVENTION: Colonoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of serrated polyps and their association with synchronous advanced neoplasia. RESULTS: Advanced neoplasia was detected in 520 individuals (10.3%) (CRC was detected in 27 [0.5%] and advanced adenomas in 493 [9.7%]). Serrated polyps were found in 1054 individuals (20.8%). A total of 329 individuals (6.5%) had proximal serrated polyps, and 90 (1.8%) had LSPs. Proximal serrated polyps or LSPs were associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76-4.45 and OR 1.65, 95% CI, 1.31-2.07, respectively). Also, LSPs were associated with advanced neoplasia (OR 2.49, 95% CI, 1.47-4.198), regardless of their proximal (OR 4.15, 95% CI, 1.69-10.15) or distal (OR 2.61, 95% CI, 1.48-4.58) locations. When we analyzed subtypes of serrated polyps, proximal hyperplasic polyps were related to advanced neoplasia (OR 1.61, 95% CI, 1.13-2.28), although no correlation with the location of the advanced neoplasia was observed. LIMITATIONS: Pathology criteria for the diagnosis of serrated polyps were not centrally reviewed. The morphology of the hyperplasic polyps (protruded or flat) was not recorded. Finally, because of the characteristics of a population-based study carried out in average-risk patients, the proportion of patients with CRC was relatively small. CONCLUSION: LSPs, but not proximal serrated polyps, are associated with the presence of synchronous advanced neoplasia. Further studies are needed to determine the risk of proximal hyperplastic polyps.

Colonoscopy versus fecal immunochemical testing in colorectal-cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) are accepted strategies for colorectal-cancer screening in the average-risk population. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial involving asymptomatic adults 50 to 69 years of age, we compared one-time colonoscopy in 26,703 subjects with FIT every 2 years in 26,599 subjects. The primary outcome was the rate of death from colorectal cancer at 10 years. This interim report describes rates of participation, diagnostic findings, and occurrence of major complications at completion of the baseline screening. Study outcomes were analyzed in both intention-to-screen and as-screened populations. RESULTS: The rate of participation was higher in the FIT group than in the colonoscopy group (34.2% vs. 24.6%, P<0.001). Colorectal cancer was found in 30 subjects (0.1%) in the colonoscopy group and 33 subjects (0.1%) in the FIT group (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61 to 1.64; P=0.99). Advanced adenomas were detected in 514 subjects (1.9%) in the colonoscopy group and 231 subjects (0.9%) in the FIT group (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.97 to 2.69; P<0.001), and nonadvanced adenomas were detected in 1109 subjects (4.2%) in the colonoscopy group and 119 subjects (0.4%) in the FIT group (odds ratio, 9.80; 95% CI, 8.10 to 11.85; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects in the FIT group were more likely to participate in screening than were those in the colonoscopy group. On the baseline screening examination, the numbers of subjects in whom colorectal cancer was detected were similar in the two study groups, but more adenomas were identified in the colonoscopy group. (Funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00906997.).

Relationship between level of education and breastfeeding duration depends on social context: breastfeeding trends over a 40-year period in Spain.

This article presents trends of breastfeeding in Spain from the 1960s to the end of the century, analyzing the relationship between level of education and breastfeeding duration. A sample of 666 adult women provided data about breastfeeding practices for children born between 1958 and 2002. Joinpoint regression models for breastfeeding duration for the firstborn child throughout these years show a U-shaped curve, with a sharp decrease at the beginning of the 1970s (-17.2%) and a gradual increase toward the end of the century (1.9%). However, the trend for women with primary studies shows a constant decrease throughout the whole period (-7.4%), while higher education levels relate to a positive trend from the 1970s onward (3.4%). The authors conclude that in the Spanish context, maternal level of education is not associated with breastfeeding duration in the same direction or with the same magnitude across time. Factors related to breastfeeding should be studied, taking into account social context.