IU Study Finds Personalized Colorectal Cancer Risk Information Doesn't Improve Screening Rates

Strategic Insights -

A clinical trial led by Peter Schwartz, MD, PhD, at the Indiana University School of Medicine found that providing patients and their healthcare providers with personalized colorectal cancer risk information did not increase screening rates for this deadly disease. The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, involved 214 providers and 1,084 average-risk patients due for screening in the Eskenazi Health and IU Health systems in Indianapolis. Patients were given a basic screening guide, and half received personalized messages about their risk of colorectal cancer. Providers were randomly assigned to receive notifications about the patient's screening due date, with or without a personalized message about the patient's individual risk. The study found that patients signed up for screening within six months at the same rate, regardless of receiving personalized messages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IU study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found no significant increase in colorectal cancer screening rates among patients who received personalized risk information, compared to those who received only a basic screening guide.
  • The study involved 214 providers and 1,084 average-risk patients in the Eskenazi Health and IU Health systems in Indianapolis.
  • Patients were given a basic screening guide, and half received personalized messages about their risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Providers were randomly assigned to receive notifications about the patient's screening due date, with or without a personalized message about the patient's individual risk.
  • Patients signed up for screening within six months at the same rate, regardless of receiving personalized messages.
  • The study's results suggest that providing personalized risk information may not be an effective strategy for increasing colorectal cancer screening rates.
  • The IU Center for Bioethics has made a generalized colorectal cancer screening decision aid available online and to physicians from both health groups to inform patients.
  • The personalized risk information provided to patients and their doctors did affect one health system, increasing uptake of stool testing in Eskenazi.
  • Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cause of death from cancer in the United States, claiming nearly 55,000 lives annually.
  • Only about 60% of eligible adults get screened, leading to unnecessary disease and death every year.
  • Adults are recommended to screen for colorectal cancer regularly once they turn 45 years old, with colonoscopy and at-home stool tests being options.

Statistics:

  • 214 providers were involved in the study.
  • 1,084 average-risk patients were enrolled in the study.
  • 60% of eligible adults get screened for colorectal cancer.
  • Nearly 55,000 lives are lost to colorectal cancer annually in the United States.
  • Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for adults once they turn 45 years old.
  • 10-minute video decision aid on colorectal cancer screening is available online.

Sources:

  • Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Annals of Internal Medicine
  • Eskenazi Health
  • IU Health
  • Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research