What is it about?
Screening colonoscopies are an effective tool for early detection and prevention of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and are recommended in Germany for citizens over the age of 55. But the participation rate still remains low. To increase the participation rate, individual invitation letters were sent for patients between the ages of 55 and 75. The Invitation letters led to an increase in the participation rate during the invitation period.
Featured Image
Why is it important?
Our study clearly indicates that personal invitation letters are an effective measure to increase overall participation rates in screening colonoscopies. During a screening colonoscopy adenomatous polyps which can degenerate can be removed. Therefore, a higher participation rate may lead to a lower CRC prevalence and mortality
Perspectives
Screening colonoscopies of asymptomatic individuals is considered to be an effective tool for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its precursor lesions. There is a correlation between early detection and better chances of survival. Furthermore, CRC can be prevented by removal of its precursor lesions. Due to a very low participation rate, though screening colonoscopies are offered for citizens over the age of 55 in Germany, it is necessary to raise the awareness of screening colonoscopies in public. It is currently under discussion whether a general Invitation procedure should be established in Germany.
Katharina Stratmann
Goethe-Universitat Frankfurt am Main
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Individual invitation letters lead to significant increase in attendance for screening colonoscopies: Results of a pilot study in Northern Hesse, Germany, United European Gastroenterology Journal, April 2018, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/2050640618769713.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
