Screening Preferences of Patients at Familial Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Paul C. Schroy III1, 3 , Julie T. Glick1, Patricia A. Robinson1 and Timothy Heeren2

(1) Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
(2) Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
(3) Boston Medican Center, 85 East Concord Street, Boston, 02118, USA

Received: 4 August 2006 Accepted: 7 November 2006 Published online: 3 April 2007

Abstract Our primary objective was to assess the screening preferences of patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer. Asymptomatic subjects aged 18–75 with a single first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer (n = 48) or polyps (n = 52) were asked to identify a preferred screening strategy, test features influencing their choice, and level of interest in decision-making after reviewing a decision aid describing the pros and cons of currently recommended screening tests. Although both groups preferred colonoscopy, 40% of subjects with a family history of colorectal cancer and 48% of those with a family history of polyps preferred alternative strategies. Accuracy was the most commonly identified test feature influencing test preference. Most subjects (66%) felt that selection of screening test should be a patient dominant or shared process. We conclude that patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer have distinct screening preferences that often vary from current recommendations.
Keywords Colorectal cancer - Screening - Familial risk - Colonoscopy - Shared decision-making


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