Using fecal immunochemical test values below conventional cut-off to individualize colorectal cancer screening

Abstract: Background and study aims Of the participants in the Danish screening program, 89.9 % to 92.5 % have fecal immunochemical test (FIT) values < 10 μg/g feces (equivalent to 50 ng hemoglobin/mL buffer). This study aimed to investigate the risk of interval colorectal cancer (CRC) in this group before the next biennial screening round. Patients and methods This cohort study included all citizens from the region of Southern Denmark who participated in the Danish bowel screening program from 2014 trough 2016 and had a FIT value < 10 μg/g feces. Individuals receiving a CRC diagnosis were identified through the national CRC registry, with a follow up of 2 years corresponding to the current screening interval. We also examined the 3-year CRC incidence. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results Data from 185,654 citizens presenting with a FIT value < 10 μg/g feces were eligible for analysis. Overall, interval CRC incidence was 0.07 % within 2 years with HRs of 4.16 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.67;6.48) and 5.8 (95 % CI 3.34;10.05) for FIT values of 4 to 6.9 μg/g feces and 7 to 9.9 μg/g feces, respectively, compared to those having a FIT value below the limit of quantification of 4 μg/g feces. After 3 years, the overall CRC incidence increased to 0.14 %; however, this was not significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates a positive correlation between FIT value and risk of interval cancer even for very low values. It further suggests that an increase in the screening interval could be reasonable in the low FIT categories.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Using fecal immunochemical test values below conventional cut-off to individualize colorectal cancer screening ; volume:10 ; number:04 ; year:2022 ; pages:E413-E419 ; Endoscopy International Open ; 10, Heft 04 (2022), E413-E419

Contributors, Places and Time

• Contributor: Plantener, Eva ; Deding, Ulrik ; Madsen, Jeppe Buur ; Kroijer, Rasmus ; Madsen, Jonna Skov ; Baatrup, Gunnar

Further information

• DOI: 10.1055/a-1743-2651
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2022061611423683941504
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 15.08.2025, 7:22 AM CEST