Screening recommendation adherence among first-degree relatives of individuals with colorectal cancer

A first-degree relative (FDR) with colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most important risk factors for the disease. Adherence to CRC screening recommendations can help mitigate this risk; however, adherence has historically been low. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with CRC screening. The study used data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. CRC screening rates were compared between FDRs and their peers without a family history of CRC. Participants were considered to be adherent if they had undergone any of the following: fecal immunochemical test within the prior 1 year, sigmoidscopy or computed tomography colongraphy within 5 years, or colonoscopy within 10 years. The analysis included 11,381 participants age 50-75 at time of survey. Overall, 62% of participants were adherent to screening recommendations. Seventy-six percent of FDRs of individuals with CRC were adherent to guidelines; they were 86% more likely to be adherent than their peers. Race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic variables were all associated with adherence. Models were largely similar between FDRs of individuals with CRC and the general public. Nearly one-quarter of FDRs of individuals with CRC are not adherent to screening recommendations. Further outreach is needed for members of minority races and the Hispanic community and additional efforts are needed to increase the accessibility of CRC screening for those with more limited finances and the uninsured.