What can We Learn From High-Performing Screening Programs to Increase Bowel Cancer Screening Participation in Australia?

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men and women and second most common cause of cancer death in Australia; Australia's CRC incidence and mortality are among the world's highest. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program began in 2006; however, only 33% of those approached for the first time by the Program between 2018 and 2019 returned the kit. Of the 5.7 million kits sent during this period, only 44% were returned. Our aim was to identify practices and features of national bowel cancer screening programs in countries with similar programs but higher screening participation, to identify potential interventions for optimising Australian CRC screening participation. Methods We searched published and grey literature for CRC screening programs reporting at least 50% screening participation using postal invitation and free return of iFOBT home kits. Interviews were conducted with cancer registry staff and academic researchers, focused on participant and practitioner engagement in screening. Results National programs in Netherlands, Scotland, Denmark, and Finland reported over 50% screening participation rates for all invitation rounds. Shared characteristics include small populations within small geographic areas relative to Australia; relatively high literacy; a one-sample iFOBT kit; national registration systems for population cancer screening research; and screening program research including randomised trials of program features. Conclusions Apart from the one-sample kit, we identified no single solution to persistent Australian low uptake of screening. Research including randomised trials within the program promises to increase participation. Impact This screening program comparison suggests that within-program intervention trials will lead to increased Australian screening participation.

Automated summary

The participation rate of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Australia is low. Through comparing national bowel cancer screening programs, we found that countries such as the Netherlands, Scotland, Denmark, and Finland have higher participation rates. These programs share common characteristics such as smaller populations, higher literacy rates, one-sample iFOBT kits, national registration systems, and research on program features.