Key Insights:
- Providing patients with a choice between colonoscopy and a take-home fecal test kit significantly increases the likelihood of undergoing colon cancer screening. The study found that the screening rate jumped to nearly 13% when patients were given a choice, compared to only 6% with colonoscopy alone and 11% with the take-home test alone.
- While both screening methods are effective, offering the choice helped maximize the rates of colonoscopy, which is considered the most effective screening tool. The proportion of patients choosing colonoscopy increased to 10% when given the option, highlighting the importance of providing multiple screening options.
- The study focused on an underserved community with lower screening rates, highlighting that personalized approaches and offering choices can help improve participation in colon cancer screening among populations with historically low rates.
Offering patients a choice between different colorectal cancer screening methods can significantly increase screening participation. This approach is particularly beneficial in underserved communities and can help maximize the use of the most effective screening tools while also accommodating patient preferences. Expanding the range of screening options could further enhance participation and early detection of colon cancer.