Re-screening adherence to multi-target stool DNA test for colorectal cancer: real-world study in a large national population.

Purpose: Adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) re-screening is essential to maximize screening effectiveness. This study assessed adherence to a multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test among previous users in the USA across different payer types.

Methods: Data from Exact Sciences Laboratories LLC (01/01/2023-12/31/2023) were used. Insured patients (45-85 years) who were shipped an mt-sDNA test during the data coverage period and had previously completed mt-sDNA screening with a negative result ≥ 2.5 years prior were included. Mt-sDNA re-screening adherence rate and mean time to test return were compared across payer types, and their associations with patient characteristics were assessed using multivariable regression models.

Results: Of 793,567 patients (50-75 years: 89.0%; female: 62.0%), the re-screening adherence rate was 84.0% (from 66.5% for Medicaid to 90.2% for Medicare); mean (standard deviation) time to test return was 20.7 (20.8) days (from 19.2 [19.7] for Medicare to 22.4 [22.2] for Medicaid). Characteristics associated with higher likelihood of re-screening adherence included older ages (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25 and 1.11 for 65-75 and 76-85 years, respectively, relative to 45-49 years), living in a ZIP code with higher median household income (OR = 1.80 for > $200,000 relative to < $50,000), full digital outreach (OR = 1.84 relative to no digital outreach), and ≥ 3rd rounds of screening (OR = 2.44 relative to 2nd round of screening).

Conclusion: Adherence to CRC re-screening with mt-sDNA test was high across payer types, with sustained adherence in later rounds of screening. Strategies to improve re-screening rates in subgroups associated with lower re-screening adherence are warranted.