LOGISTICS AND RESULTS OF A COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM IN A MUNICIPALITY IN THE HINTERLAND OF ALAGOAS

• Published in: Arquivos de gastroenterologia 2023-11, Vol.60 (4), p.463-469
• Main Authors: TOLEDO, Gabriela Mendes, MONTEIRO, Daniel Galvão Araújo, MELO, Tiago Torres, SILVA, Herbeth José Toledo, AVERBACH, Marcelo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: colonoscopy; Colorectal neoplasms; GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY; mass screening
• ISSN: 0004-2803; 1678-4219; 1678-4219
• DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.23042023-111

ABSTRACT Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has high mortality rates worldwide. In Brazil, it is the second most common cancer in both sexes. Delay in detecting premalignant lesions contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, the Piranhas project was created to track CRC in a low-income population in the hinterland of Alagoas. Objective: The study aimed to establish the main strategies and verify the feasibility of implementing a CRC tracking program and demonstrate the results obtained in the CRC Prevention Campaign in Piranhas/AL. Methods: The program took place in Piranhas, Alagoas, Brazil, through public-private partnerships. Individuals aged between 50 and 70 years of age were included for screening with a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy in positive cases. Patient data were collected on standard forms. Results: A total of 2152 patients, aged between 50 and 70 years, were screened, 130 of which underwent colonoscopy. Several preneoplastic lesions were detected in 58 patients. The adenoma detection rate (ADR) was 33.85%. Conclusion: The study proved to be effective and viable since 44.6% of the program participants, who underwent screening with FOBT, followed by colonoscopy in positive cases, had some type of preneoplastic lesion. In addition, the program generated a significant social impact on the population of Piranhas due to the opportunity to diagnose and treat CRC precursor lesions. RESUMO Contexto: O câncer colorretal (CCR) possui altas taxas de mortalidade em todo mundo. No Brasil é o segundo câncer mais comum em ambos os sexos. O atraso na detecção de lesões pré-malignas contribui com o aumento da morbimortalidade. Neste cenário, o projeto Piranhas foi criado para rastrear o CCR em uma população carente do sertão alagoano. Objetivo: O estudo teve como meta estabelecer as principais estratégias e verificar a viabilidade da implementação de um programa de rastreamento do CCR, assim como demonstrar os resultados obtidos na Campanha de prevenção de CCR no município de Piranhas/AL. Métodos: O programa aconteceu em Piranhas, Alagoas, Brasil, através de parcerias público-privadas. Foram incluídos indivíduos entre 50 e 70 anos para triagem com pesquisa de sangue oculto nas fezes (PSOF) e colonoscopia dos casos positivos. Os dados dos pacientes foram coletados em formulários padrão. Resultados: Foram rastreados um total de 2152 pacientes com idade entre 50 e 70 anos, sendo destes, 130 submetidos à colonoscopia. Vá