Study Finds Only Half of People Get Follow-Up Colonoscopy After Abnormal Colorectal Cancer Screening

A new study found that among patients who had a blood-based test for colorectal cancer, only 49% “completed a follow-up colonoscopy within six months, and just 56% did so at any point during the two-year study period.”

Follow-up colonoscopy is a “critical next step to confirm the presence of colorectal cancer or pre-cancer after an abnormal screening result. These follow-up rates are comparable to those observed with stool-based screening tests, but remain far below optimal levels needed for timely cancer detection and treatment.” The study also revealed that “individuals with Medicare Advantage were significantly less likely to complete follow-up colonoscopy compared to those with private insurance.”

Colorectal cancer is the “second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. among men and women combined, and regular screening can save lives by detecting it early. … Blood-based screening tests offer a non-invasive, more convenient alternative for patients not amenable to the preferred colonoscopy or stool-based screening tests. However, to ensure that these tests truly lower cancer rates and save lives, it is crucial to understand how often patients follow through with colonoscopy—a key second step after an abnormal result.”

The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of over 6,000 individuals aged 45 and older and then focused on 452 people who received an abnormal result from a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. The relatively small number of people who received a follow-up colonoscopy in this cohort is concerning, as “timely follow-up is critical” to detect and treat colorectal cancer.