A retrospective study on the national colorectal screening programme : analysis of participation and findings

Abstract

Colorectal screening in Malta is a population-based screening programme using faecal immunochemical test as the primary screening tool. In this retrospective study, records and datasheets of patients undergoing screening colonoscopies at Gozo General Hospital in 2016 were inspected. The extracted data reflected national participation, as an integration between Mater Dei and Gozo General Hospitals was introduced, to reduce patients’ waiting time. Both Maltese and Gozitan patients were eligible for screening at Gozo General Hospital. Outcomes were collected into excel spreadsheets and statistically analysed. Participation rates, positivity rates and detection rates for colorectal cancers were compared with other European Union countries. Comparison showed that Malta has a higher detection rate for colorectal cancer for asymptomatic patients;- however, a significant number of cancer-positive patients were retrospectively also found to have been symptomatic.