colorectal cancer screening ACG AJG EHR data RWD RWE

Citation: Shaukat, Aasma MD, MPH et al. Real-World Adherence to Repeat Testing for Stool-Based Non-Invasive Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests Among Individuals With Average Risk. The American Journal of Gastroenterology 119(10S):p S265-S266, October 2024. | DOI: 10.14309/01.ajg.0001030868.43296.05

A new study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology explored how often complete follow-up stool-based tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, focusing on tests like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and multi-target stool DNA test (mt-sDNA). The study was also recognized with the ACG Presidential Poster Award at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Oct. 25-30, 2024.

Researchers from New York University Langone Health and Guardant Health used Truveta Data to identify more than 370,000 people aged 45-75 who had at least one FIT or mt-sDNA test between 2017 and 2019 and followed them through 2023.

The study found that less than half of the people who started screening with stool-based tests went on to have another test within the next four years. About 49% of those who first took the FIT test had at least one follow-up, but only 11% had four or more tests. Around 45% of those who started with mt-sDNA had at least one follow-up test.

People who were more likely to have repeat tests included men, married people, and those aged 65 and older. Adherence was also higher among non-Hispanic and Asian individuals. In contrast, adherence was lower among Black and Native American individuals, as well as those under 50 and unmarried individuals.

The study found that many people are not following up with regular CRC screening tests as recommended. This gap in repeat testing could reduce the effectiveness of stool-based CRC screening programs. The findings suggest that certain groups may need more support and encouragement to adhere to regular testing schedules.