Multitarget stool DNA test, fecal immunochemical test, or guaiac-based fecal occult blood test preferred over colonoscopy<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
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TUESDAY, May 4, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Many patients prefer stool-based colorectal cancer screening tests over colonoscopy, according to a study published in the May issue of Cancer Prevention Research<\/em>.<\/p>\n Xuan Zhu, Ph.D., from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and colleagues examined patient preference in a panel survey focusing on colorectal cancer screening options (fecal immunochemical test or guaiac-based fecal occult blood test [FIT\/gFOBT], multitarget stool DNA [mt-sDNA] test, and colonoscopy) among U.S. adults aged 40 to 75 years at average colorectal cancer risk. Overall, 31.3 percent (1,595 individuals) of those invited to participate completed the survey.<\/p>\n The researchers found that more respondents preferred mt-sDNA (65.4 percent) over colonoscopy; FIT\/gFOBT (61 percent) over colonoscopy; and mt-sDNA (66.9 percent) over FIT\/gFOBT when presented with a choice between two screening modalities. Preferences were influenced by certain demographic characteristics and awareness of and\/or experience with various screening modalities. For example, uninsured people were more likely to prefer stool-based screening over colonoscopy (odds ratios, 2.53 and 2.73 for mt-sDNA and FIT\/gFOBT, respectively); those who had heard of stool-based screening were more likely to prefer mt-sDNA over FIT\/gFOBT (odds ratio, 2.07); and those who previously had a stool-based test were more likely to prefer FIT\/gFOBT over colonoscopy (odds ratio, 2.75). The likelihood of preferring mt-sDNA or FIT\/gFOBT over colonoscopy was lower for those who previously had a colonoscopy (odds ratios, 0.39 and 0.40, respectively). <\/p>\n “These findings underscore the importance of continuing to offer colorectal cancer screening options to patients and encourage health care providers to engage patients in shared decision making,” the authors write.<\/p>\n Several authors disclosed financial ties to Exact Sciences, which funded the study.<\/p>\n