Promoting colorectal cancer screening: A scoping review of screening interventions and resources

Background: Early detection through screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, but approximately 33% of adults aged 50-75 are not getting screened as recommended. Many interventions to increase CRC screening have been tested, but clinical and community organizations may be challenged in identifying the optimum programs and program materials to increase screening and ultimately reduce CRC mortality.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review to characterize existing, US-based interventions to improve CRC screening and to identify gaps in the literature. We used t-tests and correlations to analyze the relationship between project features and intervention effect sizes.

Results: The overall effect sizes were + 16% for changes in screening by any modality. The average effect sizes were greater for projects with more components, used patient navigation, and provided free/low-cost testing.

Conclusion: Interventions varied greatly in terms of follow-up time, test modality, and data sources. Organizations seeking to implement a program aimed at increasing CRC screening should consider both intervention components and relevant program materials.