Uptake of faecal occult blood test colorectal cancer screening by different ethnic groups in the Netherlands

Abstract

We investigated the participation rates in CRC screening with a FOBT among various ethnic groups in the Netherlands. Individuals (n 10 054) were invited by mail and grouped by country of birth. Overall participation rate was 49. Participation among ethnic minority groups was significantly lower than among ethnic Dutch [adjusted OR for participation: Middle- or Central-East 0.25 (0.180.34), African 0.48 (0.340.67), Surinamese and Antillean 0.51 (0.430.61), South- or South-East Asian 0.56 (0.460.69) and 'other Western' 0.78 (0.630.96)]. Further studies are needed to explore whether ethnic minority groups are not reached or that low uptake is determined by other causes.