The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) was implemented in England in 2006 to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Initially targeting individuals aged 60 to 69, the age range was expanded in 2010 to include 70 to 74-year-olds due to increasing life expectancy. CRC is the second leading cause of death in the UK, and the BCSP aims to detect and remove precancerous lesions before they develop into advanced stage cancer.
According to a study published in Colorectal Disease, the BCSP has shown positive effects, particularly benefiting men in deprived areas with distal tumors. The study analyzed CRC incidence trends from 2001 to 2017, considering tumor location, gender, and socioeconomic status. Using data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS), researchers identified over 541,000 incident cases of CRC in individuals aged 60 to 74.
Throughout the study period, incidence rates of CRC were higher in men compared to women, for both proximal and distal tumors. However, since 2008, there has been a significant reduction in the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for men with proximal tumors, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -2.1%. Women, on the other hand, experienced a smaller reduction in ASIR with an APC of -1.1%.
For distal tumors, both men and women initially saw an increase in ASIR from 2001 to 2010 and 2001 to 2011, respectively. However, subsequent reductions in ASIR were more pronounced in men, with an APC of -6.8%, compared to women with an APC of -3.6%. After 2014, women maintained a higher negative APC (-3.6%) compared to men (-0.3%).
The study also found that individuals from deprived areas experienced the most benefits from the BCSP. Both proximal and distal tumors had higher ASIR in the most deprived group throughout the study period. However, those in the most deprived group saw a significant reduction in ASIR for proximal tumors from 2008 onwards.
Despite lower uptake among men, the BCSP has proven to be more effective for them. The initial increase in incidence can be attributed to the identification of previously undiagnosed CRC cases, which were then treated. The subsequent decline in ASIR is a result of removing potentially cancerous lesions. This study not only quantifies the effectiveness of the BCSP but also provides valuable information for public health officials to encourage participation, particularly for men and individuals in deprived areas with distal tumors.
Sources:
– GlobalData
– Colorectal Disease study published in Colorectal Disease
