Comparing a fecal immunochemical test and circulating tumor DNA blood test for colorectal cancer screening adherence.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs are most effective at reducing disease incidence and mortality through sustained screening participation. A novel blood test modality is being explored for CRC screening, but it is unclear whether it will provide sustained screening participation. This study aimed to investigate whether a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood test improved CRC screening re-participation when compared with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and to define the predictors of sustained CRC screening in an Australian population. METHODS: South Australians who initially participated in CRC screening using a ctDNA blood test (n = 36) or FIT (n = 547) were offered the same CRC screening test approximately 2 years later through an extended phase of a randomized controlled trial. Surveys collected demographic, psychosocial, and clinical information. Predictors of CRC screening re-participation were explored using chi-square, Wilcoxon tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants offered a second ctDNA blood test were equally likely to re-participate in CRC screening as those who completed a FIT in the first round and who were offered the same test (61% vs 66% re-participation respectively, P = 0.6). CRC fatalism, health activation, and self-efficacy were associated with repeated screening participation. Test awareness was predictive of repeated FIT-based CRC screening. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted interventions to improve CRC screening awareness and increase patient health activation may improve CRC screening adherence. A ctDNA blood test may be a suitable CRC screening option to maintain CRC screening adherence in people who do not participate in screening with FIT.

Patient attitudes towards changes in colorectal cancer surveillance: An application of the Health Belief Model.

OBJECTIVE: This is to determine whether health beliefs regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening could predict discomfort with a change to CRC surveillance proposing regular faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) instead of colonoscopy. METHODS: Eight hundred individuals enrolled in a South Australian colonoscopy surveillance programme were invited to complete a survey on surveillance preferences. Responses were analysed using binary logistic regression predicting discomfort with a hypothetical FIT-based surveillance change. Predictor variables included constructs based on the Health Belief Model: perceived threat of CRC, perceived confidence to complete FIT and colonoscopy (self-efficacy), perceived benefits from current surveillance and perceived barriers to FIT and colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 408 participants (51%) returned the survey (complete data n = 303; mean age 62 years, 52% male). Most participants (72%) were uncomfortable with FIT-based surveillance reducing colonoscopy frequency. This attitude was predicted by a higher perceived threat of CRC (OR = 1.03 [95% CI 1.01-1.04]), higher colonoscopy self-efficacy (OR = 1.34 [95% CI 1.13-1.59]) and lower perceived barriers to colonoscopy (OR = 0.92 [95% CI 0.86-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS: Health beliefs regarding colonoscopy and perceived threat of CRC may be important to consider when changing CRC surveillance protocols. If guideline changes were introduced, these factors should be addressed to provide patients reassurance concerning the efficacy of the alternative protocol.

Mapping Information Needs over the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survivorship Trajectory for Esophago-gastric Cancer Patients and Their Main Supporters: a Retrospective Survey.

This study reports preliminary data about the information needs of esophago-gastric cancer survivors and their supporters across diagnosis and treatment by identifying time-specific needs and whether the information provided aligned with the needs at each time point. Survivors (n = 26) and supporters (n = 15) were recruited from a public teaching hospital in South Australia. Both groups provided recall data describing personal information domain challenges at 6 clinically significant time points ranging from diagnosis to > 2 years post diagnosis. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics for non-normally distributed data. Needs relating to communication, tests, disease, and the physical effects information domains were consistently high across time and in groups. Supporters' overall needs were greater than those of survivors, particularly at times of high need. At times of low need, both groups reported information overload. Our results confirm that survivors and supporters require information throughout the cancer trajectory, up to 2 years after diagnosis, and supporters' needs are likely to be even greater. Results highlight the importance of timely and relevant information provision and provide a basis for the development of resources to empower survivors and supporters to identify and articulate their personal information needs. Patient navigators may provide an avenue to facilitate this approach.

COVID-19, Alcohol Consumption and Stockpiling Practises in Midlife Women: Repeat Surveys During Lockdown in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Introduction: This project examined the impact of COVID-19 and associated restrictions on alcohol practises (consumption and stockpiling), and perceptions of health risk among women in midlife (those aged 45-64 years). Methods: We collected online survey data from 2,437 midlife women in the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia in May 2020, recruited using a commercial panel, in the early days of mandated COVID-19 related restrictions in both countries. Participants were surveyed again (N = 1,377) in July 2020, at a time when COVID-19 restrictions were beginning to ease. The surveys included the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and questions alcohol stockpiling. Analysis involved a range of univariate and multivariate techniques examining the impact of demographic variables and negative affect on consumption and acquisition outcomes. Results: In both surveys (May and July), UK women scored higher than Australian women on the AUDIT-C, and residence in the UK was found to independently predict stockpiling of alcohol (RR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.91). Developing depression between surveys (RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.04) and reporting pessimism (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.81), and fear/anxiety (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.70) at the beginning of the study period also predicted stockpiling by the end of the lockdown. Having a tertiary education was protective for alcohol stockpiling at each time point (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.87). Conclusions: COVID-19 was associated with increases in risky alcohol practises that were predicted by negative emotional responses to the pandemic. Anxiety, pessimism and depression predicted stockpiling behaviour in UK and Australian women despite the many demographic and contextual differences between the two cohorts. Given our findings and the findings of others that mental health issues developed or were exacerbated during lockdown and may continue long after that time, urgent action is required to address a potential future pandemic of alcohol-related harms.

"Rescue" of Nonparticipants in Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Three Noninvasive Test Options.

Few studies have directly targeted nonparticipants in colorectal cancer screening to identify effective engagement strategies. We undertook a randomized controlled trial that targeted nonparticipants in a previous trial of average-risk subjects which compared participation rates for mailed invitations offering a fecal test, a blood test or a choice of either. Nonparticipants (n = 899) were randomized to be offered a kit containing a fecal immunochemical test (FIT), directions on how to arrange a blood DNA test, or the option of doing either. Screening participation was assessed 12 weeks after the offer. To assess the cognitive and attitudinal variables related to participation and invitee choice, invitees were surveyed after 12 weeks, and associations were investigated using multinomial logistic regression. Participation rates were similar between groups (P = 0.88): 12.0% for FIT (35/292), 13.3% for the blood test (39/293), and 13.4% for choice (39/290). Within the choice group, participation was significantly higher with FIT (9.7%, 28/290) compared with the blood test (3.8%, 11/290, P = 0.005). The only variable significantly associated with participation was socioeconomic status when offered FIT, and age when offered choice but there was none when offered the blood test. Survey respondents indicated that convenience, time-saving, comfort, and familiarity were major influences on participation. There was no clear advantage between a fecal test, blood test, or choice of test although, when given a choice, the fecal test was preferred. Differences in variables associated with participation according to invitation strategy warrant consideration when deciding upon an invitation strategy for screening nonparticipants. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: This trial of screening for those at average risk for colorectal cancer targeted past fecal-test nonparticipants and compared participation rates for mailed invitations offering a fecal test, blood test, or choice of either. Although there was no clear advantage between strategies, factors associated with participation differed between each strategy.

The Relationship between Cancer Caregiver Burden and Psychological Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Social Connectedness.

The present study: (a) examined the extent of caregiver burden and psychological wellbeing and (b) tested whether social connectedness moderated the association between caregiver burden and psychological symptoms in caregivers of people with cancer. The cross-sectional survey study included 189 cancer caregivers (mean age = 36.19 years, standard deviation = 11.78; 80.4% female). Data were collected on caregiver burden, social connectedness, and depression and anxiety. Moderation analysis was conducted to examine the effect of social connectedness on the relationship between caregiver burden and depression and anxiety. Caregiver burden was positively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Controlling for significant demographic and caregiver characteristics, the moderation model showed as perceived social connectedness increased, the relationship between caregiver burden and depression decreased (ß = -0.007, se = 0.004, 95% CI: -0.014, 0.000, p = 0.05). By contrast, social connectedness did not moderate the association between caregiver burden and anxiety. Findings have implications for the management of depression in cancer caregivers. Social connectedness appears to provide a protective buffer from the negative impacts of caregiving, providing increased psychological resources to manage the burden associated with caregiving, resulting in lower depression. Research on strategies to improve caregiver wellbeing through enhancing engagement with social networks in ways that improve perceived sense of connectedness with others is warranted.

Can targeting information on cancer-related psychosocial services by male gender and rurality improve attitude to service use in this difficult-to-engage population?

OBJECTIVE: Rural men affected by cancer are difficult to engage in psychosocial support services. This exploratory study tested whether exposure to printed brochures describing services, distinguished by a focus on rural men affected by cancer, resulted in more positive help-seeking attitudes than exposure to material focused on rural location only or generic cancer support material. METHODS: Targeted versions of a South Australian Cancer Council service brochure were developed to enhance cultural appropriateness, consistent with the Elaboration Likelihood Model. Rural men affected by cancer were recruited via supportive accommodation and randomized to receive one of the three brochures. The primary outcome was positive attitude to help-seeking at post-test (between 1 and 2 days). Negative attitudes to help-seeking, intention to seek help, perceived isolation, and service use were secondary outcomes; perceived information relevance at immediate post-test was also measured. RESULTS: Analysis (N = 114) indicated no detectable group differences (rurality/male gender, n = 33; rurality, n = 41; control, n = 40) on primary or secondary outcome measures (p > 0.05). Participants' existing service use was high, due to the recruitment methods. Support service information was primarily sourced from other people (e.g., friends/family, 22.22%; medical professionals, 27.27%). CONCLUSIONS: Existing service use rates suggest that ceiling effects obscured any potential benefit from demographic targeting of materials. Further research should consider building understanding about the acceptability of targeting techniques in this population, replication with materials designed with greater consumer input, and employ samples recruited outside a support service.

Differences in the health, mental health and health-promoting behaviours of rural versus urban cancer survivors in Australia.

PURPOSE: People affected by cancer who live in rural Australia experience inferior survival compared to their urban counterparts. This study determines whether self-reported physical and mental health, as well as health-promoting behaviours, also differ between rural and urban Australian adults with a history of cancer. METHODS: Weighted, representative population data were collected via the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System between 1 January 2010 and 1 June 2015. Data for participants with a history of cancer (n = 4295) were analysed with adjustment for survey year, gender, age group, education, income, family structure, work status, country of birth and area-level relative socioeconomic disadvantage (SEIFA). RESULTS: Cancer risk factors and co-morbid physical and mental health issues were prevalent among cancer survivors regardless of residential location. In unadjusted analyses, rural survivors were more likely than urban survivors to be obese and be physically inactive. They were equally likely to experience other co-morbidities (diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, arthritis or osteoporosis). With adjustment for SEIFA, rural/urban differences in obesity and physical activity disappeared. Rural survivors were more likely to have trust in their communities, less likely to report high/very high distress, but equally likely to report a mental health condition, both with and without adjustment for SEIFA. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for deeper understanding of the impact of relative socioeconomic disadvantage on health (particularly physical activity and obesity) in rural settings and the development of accessible and culturally appropriate interventions to address rural cancer survivors' specific needs and risk factors.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing Provision of Fecal and Blood Test Options on Participation for Colorectal Cancer Screening.

Suboptimal participation is commonly observed in colorectal cancer screening programs utilizing fecal tests. This randomized controlled trial tested whether the offer of a blood test as either a "rescue" strategy for fecal test nonparticipants or an upfront choice, could improve participation. A total of 1,800 people (50-74 years) were randomized to control, rescue, or choice groups (n = 600/group). All were mailed a fecal immunochemical test (FIT, OC-Sensor, Eiken Chemical Company) and a survey assessing awareness of the screening tests. The rescue group was offered a blood test 12 weeks after FIT nonparticipation. The choice group was given the opportunity to choose to do a blood test (Colvera, Clinical Genomics) instead of FIT at baseline. Participation with any test after 24 weeks was not significantly different between groups (control, 37.8%; rescue, 36.9%; choice, 33.8%; P > 0.05). When the rescue strategy was offered after 12 weeks, an additional 6.5% participated with the blood test, which was greater than the blood test participation when offered as an upfront choice (1.5%; P < 0.001). Awareness of the tests was greater for FIT than for blood (96.2% vs. 23.1%; P < 0.0001). In a population familiar with FIT screening, provision of a blood test either as a rescue of FIT nonparticipants or as an upfront choice did not increase overall participation. This might reflect a lack of awareness of the blood test for screening compared with FIT.

Does Resilience Moderate the Relationship Between Stress and Smoking Status?

BACKGROUND: There is a growing evidence that resilience to stress can promote nonsmoking. However, few studies have undertaken quantitative research to investigate whether resilience, generated by internal and external factors, moderates the impact of stress on the likelihood of smoking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to help fill this knowledge gap in relation to smokers and ex-smokers, and those people who have never smoked. METHODS: A large online cross-sectional survey was administered in Australia (2015-2016) to collect data on demographic variables, levels of internal and external resilience, and stress from current and past smokers (n = 400) and those who have never-smoked (n = 921). Logistic regressions were employed to test our hypotheses. RESULTS: Most participants were female (82%) and ranged between 18 and 77 years. Higher levels of reported perceived stress and stress-related variables did significantly predict smoking. The combined impact of internal and external resilience factors predicted never-smoking and lessened the relationship between perceived stress and stress-related variables, and the likelihood of smoking. CONCLUSION: These results are important because they suggest that the social environment should be developed to augment social support and internal properties such as developing "a strong sense of purpose in life" to encourage people not to commence smoking, rather than focus on smoking cessation.

Good training, systems and funding, not good luck: what hematologists and oncologists believe would make it easier for them to refer their cancer patients to psychosocial care.

Rates of referral of patients to psychosocial services are low in most cancer treatment centers, while rates of distress are high. The purpose of this study is to identify clinicians' barriers to referring cancer patients to psychosocial services and strategies that could increase rates of referral. A purposive sampling method ensured data were gathered in two large public teaching hospitals from seven oncologists and five hematologists with varying levels of experience, of whom five were female. Data were collected using semistructured interviews guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior model (Michie S, Atkins L, West R. The Behaviour Change Wheel: A Guide to Designing Interventions. United Kingdom: Silverback Publishing; 2014.). This helped us to identify modifiable variables associated with referral likelihood and associated evidence-based strategies using the Behavior Change Wheel. Data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Barriers relating to capability, opportunity, and motivation to refer to psychosocial services were identified, including lack of knowledge of available services, how to refer to them, and the types of patients who would benefit. Other barriers included the following: lack of time to discuss and refer, convoluted referral pathways, long waiting times, and fear of patient reluctance due to stigma. Respondents identified numerous strategies for overcoming barriers, including training on referral best practice, role-plays, the provision of lists of services with referral and contact details, and increasing service capacity via additional funding. Findings inform the development of acceptable, evidence-based strategies, to improve rates of referral to psychosocial services by oncologists and hematologists. Without implementation, a substantial number of people affected by cancer will continue to suffer from potentially treatable distress.

The impact of sample type and procedural attributes on relative acceptability of different colorectal cancer screening regimens.

OBJECTIVE: In Australia and other countries, participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using fecal occult blood testing is low. Previous research suggests that fecal sampling induces disgust, so approaches not involving feces may increase participation. This study aimed to determine population preferences for CRC screening tests that utilize different sample collections (stool, blood, and saliva) and the extent to which specific attributes (convenience, performance, and cost) impact this preference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: People aged 50-74 years completed a survey. Preference for screening for CRC through stool, blood, and saliva was judged through ranking of preference and attributes critical to preference and confirmed via a discrete choice experiment (DCE) where test attributes were described as varying by performance, cost, and sample type. Participants also completed a measure of aversion to sample type. RESULTS: A total of 1,282 people participated in the survey. The DCE and ranking exercise confirmed that all test attributes had a statistically significant impact on respondents' preferences (P < 0.001). Blood and saliva were equally preferred over stool; however, test performance was the most influential attribute. In multivariable analyses, those who preferred blood to stool collection exhibited higher aversion to fecal (OR = 1.17; P ≤ 0.001) and saliva (OR = 1.06; P ≤ 0.05) sampling and perceived that they had less time for home sample collection (OR = 0.72, P ≤ 0.001). Those who preferred saliva to stool had higher aversion to fecal (OR = 1.15; P ≤ 0.001) and blood (OR = 1.06, P ≤ 0.01) sampling and less time for home sample collection (OR = 0.81, P ≤ 0.5). CONCLUSION: Aversion to sample type and perceived inconvenience of sample collection are significant drivers of screening preference. While blood and saliva sampling were the most preferred methods, test performance was the most important attribute of a screening test, regardless of sample type. Efforts to increase CRC screening participation should focus on a test, or combination of tests, that combines the attributes of high performance, low aversion, and convenience of use.

Barriers to Seeking Help for Skin Cancer Detection in Rural Australia.

This study explores rural South Australians' barriers to help-seeking for skin cancer detection. A total of 201 randomly selected rural adults (18-94 years, 66% female) were presented with a skin-cancer-related scenario via telephone and were asked the extent to which various barriers would impede their help-seeking, based on an amended version of the Barriers to Help-Seeking Scale. Older (≥63 years) and less educated participants endorsed barriers more strongly than their younger, more educated counterparts in the following domains; "Concrete barriers and distrust of caregivers", "Emotional control", "Minimising problem and Normalisation", "Need for control and self-reliance" (every domain other than "Privacy"). Socioeconomic disadvantage, gender, and farmer status did not predict stronger overall barriers, but some gender and occupation-related differences were detected at the item level. Farmers were also more likely to endorse the "Minimising problem and normalization" domain than their non-farmer working rural counterparts. Widely endorsed barriers included the tendency to minimise the problem, a desire to remain in control/not be influenced by others, reluctance to show emotion or complain, and having concerns about privacy or waiting times.

Use of the Distress Thermometer in a cancer helpline context: Can it detect changes in distress, is it acceptable to nurses and callers, and do high scores lead to internal referrals?

PURPOSE: To improve understanding about; (1) the validity of the Distress Thermometer (DT) as a measure of changes in distress after a cancer helpline call, (2) the impact of a helpline call on callers' distress, (3) caller and helpline nurses' comfort with use of the DT, and (4) the extent to which DT scores over the critical threshold, are associated with referral to internal support services for follow-up psychosocial care. METHODS: Callers (people diagnosed with cancer and their family/friends: N = 100) completed a questionnaire that included DT ratings (three time-points), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and measures of comfort with the DT tool. Nurses recorded referrals to internal services and their comfort in using the DT in each call. RESULTS: The DT correlated with the DASS-21 depression (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and stress (r = 0.64, p < 0.001) subscales demonstrating validity. Callers' self-rated distress was significantly lower after the call, regardless of gender or caller type (F(2, 97) = 63.67, p < 0.01, partial eta squared = 0.57). Over 74% of people diagnosed with cancer, 80% family/friends and 89.3% of nurses felt comfortable with DT use. Only 16% of participants were referred on to follow-up internal support services despite 90% of people with cancer and 75% of family/friends' DT scores' suggesting they required follow-up care. CONCLUSIONS: The DT is a valid and acceptable tool for use by cancer helplines. Improved documentation of referrals is required to better understand referral patterns.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial testing the impact of feedback on familial risk of chronic diseases on family-level intentions to participate in preventive lifestyle behaviors.

BACKGROUND: Common disease risk clusters in families due to shared genetics, exposure to environmental risk factors, and because many health behaviours are established and maintained in family environments. This randomised controlled trial will test whether the provision of a family health history (FHH) risk assessment tool increases intentions and engagement in health behaviors. Message distribution and collective behavior change within family networks will be mapped using social network analysis. The relative intervention impact will be compared between families from different ethnic backgrounds. METHODS: One hundred and fifty mothers (50 Anglo-Australian, 50 Italian-Australian, 50 Vietnamese-Australian) will be recruited, with four or more other family members across three generations, including a child (aged 10-18 years). Each family is randomly assigned to intervention or control. At baseline and 6-month follow-up, all participants complete surveys to assess dietary and physical activity intentions and behaviors, attitudes towards food, and perceived disease risk. Intervention families receive a visual pedigree detailing their FHH of diabetes, heart disease, breast and bowel cancer, a health education workbook to ascertain members' disease risk (i.e. average or above average risk), and screening and primary prevention recommendations. After completion of follow-up assessments, controls will receive their pedigree and workbook. The primary hypothesis is that attitudes and lifestyle behaviors will improve more within families exposed to FHH feedback, although the extent of this improvement may vary between families from different ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, the extent of improvement in the treatment group will be moderated by the level of family disease risk, with above-average risk leading to greater improvement. A secondary aim will explore different family members' roles in message distribution and collective responses to risk using social network approaches and to compare network functioning between families with different ethnic backgrounds. DISCUSSION: Results will guide future health promotion programs aimed at improving lifestyle factors. This research will assess whether FHH can motivate families to adopt family-level strategies to support health promoting behaviors. Secondary analyses aim to identify change agents within the family who are particularly effective in shifting normative behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613001033730 . Retrospectively registered: 17 September, 2013.

Acculturation, Skin Tone Preferences, and Tanning Behaviours Among Young Adult Asian Australians.

Australia has a significant proportion of residents of Asian heritage. Although the incidence of skin cancer is lower in those of Asian heritage than Caucasians, their prognosis is often worse. Sociocultural variables are central to the tanning behaviours of individuals from Western cultures. We examined the role of sociocultural variables in the tanning behaviours (outdoor tanning, indoor/solarium and fake tan use) among Asian Australians. A sample of 399 young adults identifying either as a person of Asian heritage or as Asian Australian participated in an online survey. Our results suggest that Asian Australians are at risk of skin cancer; over 35 % of the sample reported engaging in outdoor tanning and over 10 % in solarium tanning. After controlling for demographic factors and skin cancer knowledge, preferring a darker skin tone and being acculturated to Australia were significantly associated with tanning behaviour. Participants' low levels of skin cancer knowledge are of concern, and possibilities for improving knowledge levels in this group are considered. Further, we recommended that future research studies investigate sociocultural and appearance-related beliefs associated with tanning behaviours in this population, in order to determine best avenues for intervention.

Theory-based modifications of an advanced notification letter improves screening for bowel cancer in men: A randomised controlled trial.

RATIONALE: Male participation in screening for bowel cancer is sub-optimal. Theory-based interventions provide a means of improving screening uptake. OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of modifying consumer invitation material in line with continuum and stage theories of health behaviour on screening participation. METHODS: N = 9216 Australian men aged 50-74 years were randomised to one of four trial arms in a 2 × 2 factorial design randomised controlled trial. Participants received either standard invitation material (control group), or combinations of modified advance-notification and invitation letters. A subsample completed baseline and endpoint behavioural surveys. RESULTS: Participants who received the modified advance notification letter were 12% more likely to screen than those who received the standard version (RR = 1.12, χ(2)(1) = 10.38, p = 0.001). The modified invitation letter did not impact screening uptake (RR = 0.97, χ(2)(1) = 0.63, p = 0.424). No significant changes in psychological variables due to the intervention were observed. CONCLUSION: Modifications to advance notification letters in line with health behaviour theories significantly improves screening uptake in men. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612001122842 https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=362688.

A randomised controlled trial of personalised decision support delivered via the internet for bowel cancer screening with a faecal occult blood test: the effects of tailoring of messages according to social cognitive variables on participation.

BACKGROUND: In Australia, bowel cancer screening participation using faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) is low. Decision support tailored to psychological predictors of participation may increase screening. The study compared tailored computerised decision support to non-tailored computer or paper information. The primary outcome was FOBT return within 12 weeks. Additional analyses were conducted on movement in decision to screen and change on psychological variables. METHODS: A parallel, randomised controlled, trial invited 25,511 people aged 50-74 years to complete an eligibility questionnaire. Eligible respondents (n = 3,408) were assigned to Tailored Personalised Decision Support (TPDS), Non-Tailored PDS (NTPDS), or Control (CG) (intention-to-treat, ITT sample). TPDS and NTPDS groups completed an on-line baseline survey (BS) and accessed generic information. The TPDS group additionally received a tailored intervention. CG participants completed a paper BS only. Those completing the BS (n = 2270) were mailed an FOBT and requested to complete an endpoint survey (ES) that re-measured BS variables (per-protocol, PP sample). RESULTS: FOBT return: In the ITT sample, there was no significant difference between any group (χ (2)(2) = 2.57, p = .26; TPDS, 32.5%; NTPDS, 33%; and CG, 34.5%). In the PP sample, FOBT return in the internet groups was significantly higher than the paper group (χ (2)(2) = 17.01, p < .001; TPDS, 80%; NTPDS, 83%; and CG, 74%). FOBT completion by TPDS and NTPDS did not differ (χ (2)(1) = 2.23, p = .13). Age was positively associated with kit return. Decision to screen: 2227/2270 of the PP sample provided complete BS data. Participants not wanting to screen at baseline (1083/2227) and allocated to TPDS and NTPDS were significantly more likely to decide to screen and return an FOBT than those assigned to the CG. FOBT return by TPDS and NTPDS did not differ from one another (OR = 1.16, p = .42). Change on psychosocial predictors: Analysis of change indicated that salience and coherence of screening and self-efficacy were improved and faecal aversion decreased by tailored messaging. CONCLUSIONS: Online information resources may have a role in encouraging internet-enabled people who are uncommitted to screening to change their attitudes, perceptions and behaviour. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000095066.

The role of skin cancer knowledge in sun-related behaviours: a systematic review.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in many Western countries. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between skin cancer knowledge and sun-protective, exposure and tanning behaviours in the general population. A total of 34 studies, published in peer-reviewed journals over three decades, were reviewed and synthesised. Sun-protective behaviour was positively associated with skin cancer knowledge in most cases. Findings were inconsistent regarding other sun-related behaviours. Heterogeneity in measurement compromised the capacity to definitively link knowledge and sun-related behaviours. There is a need for development and utilisation of a standardised skin cancer knowledge scale, and guidelines are suggested.

Changes in endothelial function and depression scores are associated following long-term dietary intervention: a secondary analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cross-sectional studies show associations between depression and endothelial function (as measured by endothelium-dependent brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation [FMD]); but it is not known whether changes in these parameters are associated following dietary management. We have previously reported that compared with consumption of a high-carbohydrate (HC) diet, despite comparable weight loss, a very low-carbohydrate (LC diet) impaired FMD and increased depression. The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis to examine whether there was an association between changes in FMD and depression. METHODS: Forty-seven overweight men and women (body mass index 26-43 kg/m(2) and ages 24-64 y) completed a 12-mo randomized controlled trial during which participants consumed either an energy-restricted, isocaloric LC or HC diet. Weight, body composition, Homeostasis Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), Anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]) and FMD were assessed before and after the intervention. This secondary analysis focused on multiple regression analysis of these parameters. RESULTS: Changes in BDI were independently predicted by changes in FMD (ß = -0.356; P = 0.026) but not by diet intervention assignment or changes in weight or HOMA. No variables were significant predictors of the change in STAI. CONCLUSIONS: Over time, impairments in FMD were independently associated with increased depression, independent of diet composition, or changes in weight and insulin resistance. This data supports a mechanistic association between depression and endothelial function, which may influence long-term health.