Positive family history of colorectal cancer in a general practice setting

Interventions: Group 1: We want to evaluate the frequency of a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas in 40-54 year old persons in a general practitioner (GP) setting and identify the variables (e.g. demographic, genetic, epigenetic and proteomic biomarkers) that are associated with it. In addition, we want to detect informed decision, anxiety and regret with respect to screening. The health care assistant in the general practice will contact eligible patients and complete the Network against colorectal cancer questionnaire. For those who have a positive family history the GP will provide family members related to CRC patients with adequate evidence-based information and describe prevention strategies. We plan to examine the participant´s family history of CRC in detail and further variables (e.g. demographics) associated with an increased risk will be collected. Additional stool and blood samples will be collected from study-participants who decide to undergo a colonoscopy (n~350) and analyzed in the German Cancer Research Center (DKZF) Heidelberg to see whether further relevant variables are associated with an increased risk of CRC
We expect that about 8,750 person in 50 general practices in Hesse will be asked, of those about 875 are expected to have a positive family history of colorectal cancer. Of those, we expect around 350 persons to follow the invitation to have a colonoscopy.
Primary outcome(s): Frequency of a family history of (colorectal) cancer and advanced adenomas in a GP setting
Study Design: Allocation: N/A: single arm study; Masking: Open (masking not used); Control: uncontrolled; Assignment: single; Study design purpose: screening