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Colorectal cancer screening: Why immunochemical fecal occult blood tests may be the best option

BACKGROUND: There are many test options available for colorectal cancer screening. The choice of test relates to the objectives of those offering or considering screening. DISCUSSION: While all screening programs aim to detect disease early in order to improve the length and/or quality of life for t...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Flitcroft, Kathy L, Irwig, Les M, Carter, Stacy M, Salkeld, Glenn P, Gillespie, James A
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: BioMed Central 2012
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3548714/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23272939
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-12-183
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: There are many test options available for colorectal cancer screening. The choice of test relates to the objectives of those offering or considering screening. DISCUSSION: While all screening programs aim to detect disease early in order to improve the length and/or quality of life for the individual, some organizations and individuals prefer screening tests that offer the opportunity for cancer prevention. Others favor maximizing participation or the opportunity for shared decision-making, including discussion of information on test quality and availability. We propose three additional objectives for screening: minimizing harms, optimizing economic efficiency and maximizing equity of access to screening. SUMMARY: Applying these objectives to colorectal cancer screening, we advocate the use of immunochemical FOBTs as the preferred screening strategy, as it satisfies all three of these important objectives.