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Objectives:
For first-degree relatives (FDR) the risk to develop colorectal cancer (CRC) is two- to fourfold higher than for normal population [1]. There is only little data on communication between doctors and CRC-patients regarding the risk of their FDR.
We aimed to investigate a) the knowledge of CRC-patients regarding the increased CRC-risk for their FDR, b) the knowledge of FDR concerning this risk and adherence towards CRC screening.
Methods:
All patients aged 18-80 who underwent surgery for CRC between January 2004 and May 2010 (64 months) at Kantonsspital St. Gallen were asked to answer the questionnaire. Patients with hereditary syndromes were excluded. After permission the patients` FDR (siblings, children) were contacted to fill out a questionnaire; particularly, they were asked whether they a) were advised to undergo any CRC-screening examination b) they already underwent it and c) if so, when and by whom initiated.
The study was approved by the local ethical committee.
Results:
The questionnaire return rates of index patients (n=390; male: 66.4%; median age 66.1 y [38-81]) and their FDR (median age 43.5 y [13-81], male 50.6%) were 34.4% (134/390) and 69.7% (168/241) respectively. 82.1% (110/134) of index patients were informed about the increased CRC risk of their FDR. 85.1% (143/168) of FDR were informed about their increased CRC risk, but 69% of all (respectively 40.8% of those aged > 50 y) did not undergo a screening colonoscopy. Table 1 shows by whom index patients and FDR were informed about the increased CRC risk of FDR.
CRC was diagnosed in 37.3% (50/134) of index patients at a screening colonoscopy.
Conclusions:
This study shows that both CRC patients as well as their FDR are well informed about the increased CRC risk of FDR. However, the majority of FDR do not undergo the recommended screening colonoscopy.