UNC study finds mail-in tests boost colorectal cancer screening across racial groups
A UNC-led study demonstrated that mailing at-home FIT kits increased colorectal cancer screening participation by 18% across all racial and ethnic groups, with minimal disparities in follow-up colonoscopy rates.
A UNC Health-led study observing colorectal cancer screening disparities was published in the May/June issue of Annals of Family Medicine, according to a release.
The study involved more than 3,700 participants who were due for colorectal cancer screening at the time. The researchers aimed to see if certain interventions increased screening rates at all. They mailed each participant an at-home fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Patients with abnormal results were followed up with.
When mailed an FIT, all racial and ethnic groups observed participated in screening about 18% more. Additionally, the researchers found little to no differences among racial and ethnic groups regarding follow-up colonoscopy participation post intervention. They did note that “Black patients were less likely to go through a colonoscopy overall compared to White patients.”
The authors concluded, “These findings suggest that broad implementation of similar organized outreach interventions might increase CRC screening for all without broadening disparities.”
