Experience with a wipe guaiac-based faecal occult blood test as an alternative test in a bowel screening programme.

The format of the traditional guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT), particularly the collection technique, might cause difficulties for some. A multistage evaluation of alternative tests was performed. Firstly, four tests with different faecal collection approaches were assessed: a focus group recommended further investigation of a wipe gFOBT.

Results from the first three rounds of the Scottish demonstration pilot of FOBT screening for colorectal cancer.

Objectives: To assess the effects of the first three rounds of a pilot colorectal screening programme based on guaiac faecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) and their implications for a national population-based programme.

Methods: A demonstration pilot programme was conducted in three Scottish NHS Boards. Residents aged between 50 and 69 years registered on the Community Health Index were included in the study.

Impact of UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot on hospital diagnostic services.

Objective: To determine the impact of the UK Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot on hospital services involved in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (predominantly colonoscopy, double contrast barium enema and pathology).

Methods: Routine data from seven hospitals at two sites within Scotland and England participating in the Pilot were collected on activity levels and waiting times for key hospital services (GI medicine, surgery and radiology), plus questionnaire survey data from hospital consultants.

Results: Hospital colonoscopy activity increased by 31 per cent in Scotland and 21 per cent in England due to the investigation of faecal occult blood testing (FOBt) positive subjects.

Assessing the effectiveness of a screening campaign: who is missed by 80% cervical screening coverage?

A case-control study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a regional call programme in reaching women at risk of cervical cancer. Home interviews were conducted with a random sample of 614 women aged 20-64 who were identified from a computerized register as either having had a smear test within the previous 3 years or not having an up-to-date smear history. Unscreened women fell principally into two age cohorts: under 35 years and over 50 years.

Women's experiences at cervical screening.

Concerns about attendance for cervical screening has focussed on determining the reasons why some women never attend. Less attention has been paid to whether women continue to attend for further smears, although this is essential for further screening. This study investigated women's experiences of cervical screening and their views on subsequent attendance.