Issue: Vojnosanit Pregl 2016; Vol. 73 (No. 4)
Organized colorectal cancer screening in Serbia – The first round within 2013–2014
Authors:
Dušica Banković Lazarević*, Zoran Krivokapić, Goran Barišić, Verica Jovanović, Dragan Ilić, Marko Veljković
Background/Aim. The National Organized ColorectalCancer Screening Program was conducted in the Republic
of Serbia during 2013–2014 covering the population of both
genders, aged 50 to 74 years, in 28 municipalities out of 180,
with the target population of 651,445 people. This organized
colorectal cancer screening aim is to reduce mortality
from colorectal cancer in the target population. The aim of
this study was to show the results of organized screening for
colorectal cancer during the first biannual round in Serbia.
Methods. General practitioners from the primary health
centers, invited target population by mail and by phone to
perform immunochemical fecal occult blood test. Persons
with a positive test results were referred to the colonoscopy.
The database of health insurance and other citizens of the
target population was used for invitation for screening in
primary health centers. Descriptive statistical analysis of the
results in organized colorectal cancer screening in the first
round was performed for the key screening indicators. Results.
In the first round a total of 99,592 persons were invited.
The participation rate was 62.5%. Colonoscopy was
performed in 1,554 persons. Adenomas were found in 586
persons (0.9% of all the tested), e.g. 37.7 % of all colonoscopied.
In 129 persons colorectal cancer was diagnosed
(0.2% of all the tested), e.g. 8.3% of all the colonoscopied.
In the left half of the colon (rectum, sigmoid and descending
colon) there were 70.4% diagnosed polyps and 77.3%
carcinomas, while 29.6% of polyps and 22.7% carcinomas
were found in the proximal parts of the colon. Conclusion.
In the first round of the organized colorectal cancer screening
in Serbia the participation rate of the targeted population
was high and gave encouraging result. It was expected
that in the forthcoming rounds even higher coverage of the
target population would be accomplished. A positive predictive
value of the completed colonoscopies showed that further
observing the stages of diagnosed adenomas and carcinomas
would reach the goals of the expected improvement
in early detection of colorectal cancer in Serbia.
