Capsule colonoscopy option increases uptake of colorectal cancer screening

Background and study aims:
Colorectal cancer screening is used to detect cancer at an early stage, before symptoms start to appear. It is done because treating the disease is more successful if its caught at an early stage. Endoscopy is an effective method of exploring the bowel for signs of cancer. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached is placed into the bowel. The medical team is then able to see the inside of the bowel though images sent to a television screen. Despite its success, many people who would otherwise benefit from the procedure (i.e. people over the age of 55) are reluctant to take part due, in part, to it being thought of as unpleasant. Capsule endoscopy is a new method which is painless and involves swallowing a small pill-like video camera which travels through the bowel and takes images. It is thought that capsule endoscopy might encourage more people to undergo colorectal cancer screening. This study aims to explore whether inviting people to undertake endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer and offering the new capsule endoscopy will persuade more people to go for screening compared to those offered conventional endoscopy.
Who can participate?
People over the age of 55 who are insured with BKK 24 in the area of Rintein/Lower Saxonia (Germany)
What does the study involve?
The participants receive an invitation letter for colorectal cancer screening by either conventional or capsule endoscopy. The participants then respond if they want to undergo the procedure.