Introduction: As colorectal cancer (CRC) screening based on occult blood detection has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality due to this disease, it is now important to decide on the best methods to obtain the maximum numbers of participants. The aim of the study was to analyse the results from a pilot CRC screening programme in a general population sample in Barcelona. A follow-up of false positive cases was made after five years.
Patients and method: A cross section of the population aged 50-74 years in one primary health care centre was studied. The screening test consisted of an immunological method for the detection of faecal occult blood which was sent to the homes of the target population.
Results: Participation was 46.6%, 11.7% of the tests were positive, and 79.3% agreed to have a colonoscopy. Eight adenocarcinomas and 32 patients with adenomas >0.4 cm were diagnosed.
Conclusions: The results obtained on the initial participation and the follow-up at five years suggest the viability of a CCR screening programme in our country.