The SCREEN study

Abstract

We will describe and report initial results from an integrated,
interdisciplinary, and multilevel study to
increase colorectal cancer screening. The Study of
Colorectal Cancer Screening Using Research on
Economics (SCREEN) is a 4-year NCI study. Specific
aims are to (1) examine the individual and area-level
predictors of colorectal cancer screening utilization;
(2) analyze patient and physician preferences for colorectal
cancer screening methods using quantitative,
systematic approaches; (3) conduct cost-effectiveness
and cost-benefit analyses of colorectal cancer screening.
We will report on our initial analyses, particularly our
results on the screening methods most preferred by
patients, adherence over time, and the role of community
factors. Initial results suggest that individuals have
strong preferences about screening test attributes and
particularly desire accuracy. We have also found that
measuring adherence is very problematic and requires
multiple measures. We will also discuss how our study
addresses many of the pressing issues for future
research in cancer screening (Meissner et al., Cancer,
2004): (1) the need to evaluate new methods of screening
before they are disseminated (e.g., genetic and molecular
tests); (2) the need to conduct contextual and multilevel
analyses; and (3) the need to focus on preferences
and informed decision-making.