Methodology of personalised invitation of Czech citizens to the Czech Programme for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease and its mortality and incidence rate can be significantly reduced by an organised screening programme. The Czech screening programme has sufficient capacity, is guaranteed by a wide spectrum of medical specialites and disposes of an information system compatible with international standards. A fundamental prerequisite to fulfil the screening programme objectives, i.e. reduction of incidence and mortality, is sufficient attendance of the target population, i.e. men and women over 50 years old. One of the key interventions in this field is personalised invitations to the screening examination. This article provides an overview of studies and publications that present a successful implementation of personalised invitations to the colorectal cancer screening. The methodology of personalised invitations proposed forthe Czech screening programme and criteria for inclusion or exclusion of a particular client in/from the screening programme are also described.