Colorectal cancer screening and familial risk: a survey of internal medicine residents' knowledge and practice patterns

OBJECTIVE: Risk stratification is essential to the appropriate use of colorectal cancer screening recommendations. The principal objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and screening behavior of internal medicine (IM) residents regarding familial colorectal cancer. METHODS: We conducted a survey of IM residents in their second and third year of postgraduate training from two university-based programs (n = 127). The survey instrument assessed physician knowledge of screening recommendations and current practices for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyps, familial adenomatous polyposis, and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The instrument also elicited data regarding familial risk assessment, documentation, and notification of at-risk family members. RESULTS: Eighty-one IM eligible residents (81%) completed the survey. Most respondents identified a family history of colorectal cancer as an important factor in assessing colorectal cancer risk and appropriately implemented relevant screening recommendations. However, for patients with a family history of adenomatous polyps diagnosed before age 60 yr, knowledge and adherence to recommendations advocating screening at age 40 was relatively poor. More importantly, for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, respondents lacked the necessary risk assessment skills and knowledge to appropriately implement current recommendations. There were no consistent differences in knowledge or screening behavior when stratified on the basis of program site or postgraduate year status. CONCLUSION: Many IM residents are deficient in their knowledge, risk assessment skills, and screening practices for patients at familial risk of colorectal cancer. Effective educational strategies that promote awareness regarding familial risk, risk assessment skills, and appropriate use of relevant screening guidelines are needed.     

Family history of colorectal cancer

PURPOSE: A family history of colorectal cancer is an important risk factor for the disease. A positive family history means that endoscopic screening should be recommended and a strongly positive family history raises the possibility of a dominantly inherited syndrome. This study was performed to find how often and how accurately a family history of colorectal cancer was recorded in the charts of patients on a colorectal surgical ward. A second aim was to see whether family history-taking could be improved. METHODS: The charts of 100 inpatients on a colorectal surgical floor were reviewed for the presence of a family history of colorectal cancer. Any chart documentation was compared with a family history obtained by a detailed interview. The chart review was repeated four years later. RESULTS: In the initial review, we found that a family history was recorded in 45 of 100 charts. It was accurate for colorectal cancer in 36 charts. Four years later, the rate of family history recording increased to 61 of 96, whereas the accuracy rate (45/61) did not change. Responses to a simple screening question asking about a family history of colorectal cancer were accurate in 77 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Not all colorectal surgical patients have their family histories recorded, and even when it is recorded, it is not always correct. Despite improvement during a four-year period, there is still room for further improvement in the recording of a family history of colorectal cancer. Physicians should make an effort to ask this question and document the response in the hospital chart.     

Family based colorectal cancer screening in a district hospital.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using family history to define a group at increased risk is gaining support. Three hundred and ninety six subjects aged over 25 with at least one first degree affected relative have been screened using a single slide, immunological faecal occult blood test (FOBT), and family history data to select the highest risk group. Compliance was 64.9% but was significantly better if contact was made within one year of diagnosis of the index relative (75% v 62.1%, chi 2 = 5.7, p < 0.05). Twelve subjects (13.2%) of those who had a colonoscopy) bearing adenomas have been detected, three of which were at high risk of malignant transformation. No cancers have been diagnosed. Most subjects undergoing screening were less than 55 years of age (67.8%). These accounted for most colonoscopies (68.1%) but only one large adenoma was diagnosed in this group. The FOBT was particularly useful, enabling the detection of five large adenomas. Family based CRC screening is practical in a district hospital setting. Although labour intensive, it meets a population demand and can detect significant numbers of adenomas. Screening, even in those at moderately increased risk, could be focused on the older age groups, probably those aged over 40.     

Race and colorectal cancer screening compliance among persons with a family history of cancer

AIM: To determine compliance to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines among persons with a family history of any type of cancer and investigate racial differences in screening compliance.METHODS: We used the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey and identified 1094 (27.4%) respondents (weighted population size = 21959672) without a family history of cancer and 3138 (72.6%) respondents (weighted population size = 58201479) with a family history of cancer who were 50 years and older. We defined compliance with CRC screening as the use of fecal occult blood testing within 1 year, sigmoidoscopy within 5 years, or colonoscopy within 10 years. We compared compliance with CRC screening among those with and without a family member with a history of cancer.RESULTS: Overall, those with a family member with cancer were more likely to be compliant with CRC screening (64.9% vs 55.1%; OR = 1.45; 95%CI: 1.20-1.74). The absolute increase in screening rates associated with family history of cancer was 8.2% among whites. Hispanics had lowest screening rates among those without family history of cancer 41.9% but had highest absolute increase (14.7%) in CRC screening rate when they have a family member with cancer. Blacks had the lowest absolute increase in CRC screening (5.3%) when a family member has a known history of cancer. However, the noted increase in screening rates among blacks and Hispanics when they have a family member with cancer were not higher than whites without a family history of cancer: (54.5% vs 58.7%; OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 0.72-1.88) for blacks and (56.7% vs 58.7%; OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 0.72-2.18) for Hispanics.CONCLUSION: While adults with a family history of any cancer were more likely to be compliant with CRC screening guidelines irrespective of race/ethnicity, blacks and Hispanics with a family history of cancer were less likely to be compliant than whites without a family history. Increased burden from CRC among blacks may be related to poor uptake of screening among high-risk groups.     

Limited physician knowledge of sarcopenia: A survey

Background

Sarcopenia, a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a condition that contributes to functional decline and disability in older adults. Although research on this geriatric condition has developed rapidly in recent years, little work has been done to document whether practicing physicians are incorporating sarcopenia into their clinical practice.

Methods

An online survey of 253 practicing U.S. physicians assessed knowledge of sarcopenia, use of the term in practice, motivation for screening patients, and diagnostic and treatment approaches. They were board certified in four practice areas: internal medicine (n = 69), family medicine (n = 69), geriatrics (n = 40), or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) (n = 75).

Results

Less than 20% of internists and family medicine physicians reported being very familiar with the term sarcopenia, with substantially higher familiarity at this level reported among geriatricians (70%) and among PM&R specialists (41%). Two additional findings pointed to deficiencies in sarcopenia knowledge and practice: participants substantially overestimated the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults (44% of participants reported an expected prevalence of >25%) compared to findings from published studies (indicating 10% of older adults experience sarcopenia); over 75% reported not typically using specific diagnostic criteria or being unsure if their approach utilized any specific criteria. When asked what terminology they use in a medical chart for a patient presenting with significant loss of muscle mass and strength, only 8% said sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia, a condition that can have a major impact on older adults as they age, has not been fully incorporated into the knowledge base and practices of active physicians. The survey data suggest that improving physician familiarity with sarcopenia and having universal agreement on criteria for diagnosis may increase the screening for and treatment of sarcopenia.     

Survey of primary physicians' knowledge of colorectal cancer screening

OBJECTIVE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common of the gastrointestinal cancers in Israel. The low rate of patient compliance to a recent CRC screening program of Clalit Health Services, a major health management organization in Israel, prompted the present survey of primary care physicians' knowledge and practices regarding CRC screening. METHODS: A 23-item questionnaire, formulated according to the policy of the Israel Ministry of Health and the recommendations of the American Gastroenterological Association, was distributed to 150 primary physicians of Clalit Health Services. The relative ratio of correct to incorrect answers was calculated for every question and by professional group. RESULTS: The response rate was 89%. Total score (out of a maximum 23) was 20.68 for family physicians (experts in family medicine), 17.79 for experts in other fields, and 17.82 for general practitioners (average, 0.90, 0.77, and 0.77, respectively). The score for the family physicians was significantly higher than for the other two groups (P=0.0070). Clustering items by specific issues yielded significantly better scores for the family physicians in four areas: screening (P=0.0164), appropriate test for high-risk population in Israel (P=0.0012), definition of average-risk population (P=0.0012), and CRC symptoms (P=0.0108). A low level of knowledge on the definition of the high-risk population was noted in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Experts in family medicine in Israel have significantly greater knowledge of most issues of CRC than primary care experts in other fields and general practitioners, although all three groups lack knowledge on the definition of the high-risk population. Continuing physician education should focus on these areas.     

Obesity management: physician practice patterns and patient preference

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess inner-city clinic patient attitudes about weight loss counseling and to assess practice behaviors of primary care physicians in residency training. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey of consecutive patients attending an outpatient internal medicine resident continuity clinic in the Bronx, New York. Participants completed a 30-item questionnaire; a 17-item Quick Weight, Activity & Excess Screener (WAVE); and 13 items to assess patients' attitudes about the physician's role in weight management. A chart review was conducted to ascertain resident practice patterns. Relationships of categorical data were evaluated using chi(2) analyses and odds ratios. RESULTS: Chart reviews (n = 84) indicated that 80% of patients were either obese or overweight; 21% of obese patients and 11% of overweight patients had the diagnosis documented. Of the obese patients (n = 42), 17% had dietitian referrals and 36% had an indication of physician weight loss recommendation. A patient survey indicated that 86% of obese patients wanted to lose weight, 64% wanted a dietitian referral, and 62% felt that their physician could help with weight loss. Obese patients were significantly more likely to receive weight loss recommendations than were overweight patients, but frequency of visits and the diagnosis of diabetes did not increase the likelihood that weight would be addressed. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians need to address how to manage obesity including assessing patient attitudes about making lifestyle changes and using dietitian and other referrals for weight reduction counseling.     

Family history as a risk factor for colorectal cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Familial colorectal cancer (CRC) is a risk factor for CRC in healthy individuals and, as indicated by case-control studies, possibly in ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the cancer risk in familial inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed the significance of familial CRC, or IBD, on the risk for CRC in patients with IBD. METHODS: Population-based cohort study of 19,876 individuals with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease born between 1941 and 1995. Registry-based follow-up and assessment of familial CRC, and IBD. Risk of CRC assessed as incidence proportion ("absolute risk," IP) and relative risk (RR). RESULTS: Familial CRC was associated with a more than 2-fold risk of CRC (adjusted RR = 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.4-4.4) and an increase in the IP of CRC at 54 years of age from 3.8% to 6.9%. Patients with a first-degree relative diagnosed with CRC before 50 years of age had a higher RR (9.2, 95% confidence interval 3.7-23) and the highest IP (29%). No association with familial IBD was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Information on family history of CRC may be a simple way to identify individuals with IBD at elevated risk of developing CRC.     

Do physician recommendations for colorectal cancer screening differ by patient age?

Colorectal cancer screening is underutilized, resulting in preventable morbidity and mortality. In the present study, age-related and other disparities associated with physicians' delivery of colorectal cancer screening recommendations were examined. The present cross-sectional study included 43 physicians and 618 of their patients, aged 50 to 80 years, without past or present colorectal cancer. Of the 285 screen-eligible patients, 45% received a recommendation. Multivariate analyses revealed that, compared with younger nondepressed patients, older depressed patients were less likely to receive fecal occult blood test recommendations, compared with no recommendation (OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.02), as well as less likely to receive colonoscopy recommendations, compared with no recommendation (OR=0.14; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.66). Comorbidity and marital status were associated with delivery of fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy recommendations, respectively, compared with no recommendation. In summary, patient age and other characteristics appeared to influence physicians' delivery of colorectal cancer screening and choice of modality.     

Increase in screening for colorectal cancer in older Americans: results from a national survey

OBJECTIVES: To compare the proportions of the U.S. population aged 65 and older who underwent tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2000 and 2005 to examine the effect of the change in Medicare reimbursement for screening colonoscopy that occurred in 2001. DESIGN: National population‐based survey. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 6,035 respondents to the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and 5,490 respondents to the 2005 NHIS aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: A questionnaire was used to assess self‐reports of testing (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or home fecal occult blood test (FOBT)) for CRC. Estimates for the U.S. population were extrapolated from the survey results. To account for the complex sampling design, SUDAAN was used to calculate population sizes and proportions. RESULTS: In U.S. adults aged 65 and older, the proportion reporting up‐to‐date CRC testing increased from 39.5% in 2000 to 47.1% in 2005. By 2005, endoscopy had become more common than home FOBT for CRC screening in older adults. In 2000 and in 2005, a higher proportion of men than women were screened across all age groups and for all screening modalities. The proportion screened declined with older age. CONCLUSION: Substantial increases in CRC testing, particularly colonoscopy, followed changes in Medicare reimbursement for screening colonoscopy in adults aged 65 and older. Although nearly half of older adults were up to date with CRC tests, differences remained in the use of screening according to age and sex within this age group.     

Racial and ethnic colorectal cancer patterns affect the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50 is recommended for all Americans considered at "average" risk for the development of colorectal cancer. METHODS: We used 1988-1995 California Cancer Registry data to compare the cost-effectiveness of two 35-year colorectal cancer screening interventions among Asians, blacks, Latinos, and Whites. RESULTS: Average annual age-specific colorectal cancer incidence rates were highest in blacks and lowest in Latinos. Screening beginning at age 50 was most cost-effective in blacks and least cost-effective in Latinos (measured as dollars spent per year of life saved), using annual fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years and using colonoscopy every 10 years. A 35-year screening program beginning in blacks at age 42, whites at age 44, or Asians at age 46 was more cost-effective than screening Latinos beginning at age 50. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer screening programs beginning at age 50, using either FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy in each racial or ethnic group, are within the $40,000-$60,000 per year of life saved upper cost limit considered acceptable for preventive strategies. Screening is most cost-effective in blacks because of high age-specific colorectal cancer incidence rates.