Efficacy of the population-based pilot colorectal cancer screening, Csongrád county, Hungary, 2015

Abstract

Background/aim: In Hungary, a nationwide colorectal screening program is about to be introduced in order to improve the high mortality rate of colorectal cancer CRC . The aim was to summarize experiences from and assess short-term efficacy of the populationbased pilot colorectal screening program in 2015 in Csongrád county, Hungary. Materials and methods: Asymptomatic individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 with average risk of colorectal cancer participated in the program that was based on the two-step screening method: immune fecal blood test and colonoscopy. The short-term efficacy was assessed as the change in total CRC incidence and initial tumor stage in the screening year 2015 . Results: 22,130 individuals were invited to participate, and the participation rate was 46.4%. Immune fecal blood test proved to be nonnegative in 1,343 cases 13% , screening colonoscopy was performed in 766 of them 7.5% . Total colonoscopy was performed in 711 individuals. Based on the reports, adenoma was detected in 358 50.3% and malignancy in 42 5.9% individuals. In the background population, the incidence of colon cancer was higher 183 vs. 228; P = 0.026 and was diagnosed at earlier stage P = 0.002 , while lymph node involvement was lower in 2015 48.3% vs. 37.1%; P = 0.049 . Conclusion: The Csongrád county population-based colorectal cancer screening was evidently successful on the short-term considering participation rate, and the changes in CRC incidence and stage, thus its national extension is necessary.