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Background: There is sparse evidence in the literature in relation to indications and outcomes among adult indigenous patients requiring a flexible bronchoscopy (FB). In this study, FB indications and outcomes between indigenous and non‐indigenous patients were assessed. Aim: To assess the similarities and differences of FB indications and outcomes between indigenous and non‐indigenous patients. Methods: Self‐reported indigenous status, resident locality and the primary indication for FB were assessed. The FB procedures details, results of microbiology, cytology and histopathology were compared between indigenous and non‐indigenous patients. Chest computed tomography (CT) was also analysed for its relationship to FB outcomes. Results: Of the 403 patients, 111 (28%) were indigenous, and indigenous patients were younger (mean difference 11 years) and had a higher proportion of remote residence (70% vs 13%). Malignancy (40%) and infection (31%) were the most common indications for FB, although indigenous patients reported significantly more haemoptysis (15% vs 9%). No differences were noted in findings of the preceding chest CT scans. For positive microbiology, indigenous patients had a higher presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (30% vs 9%), while non‐indigenous patients had a higher presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (43% vs 11%) and mycobacteria (15% vs 4%). There was no significant difference between indigenous and non‐indigenous patients for a positive histopathology, particularly for a diagnosis of lung malignancy (58% vs 54%). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that adult indigenous patients requiring a FB are significantly younger, tend to reside in remote communities and demonstrate differing microbiology with no significant difference in the diagnostic outcomes for lung malignancy. Ethnic status or remoteness should not preclude indigenous patients to undergo a FB if clinically indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To support improving participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), we aimed to identify Medicare-subsidised test requests for immunochemical faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) in Australian general practice for patients aged 50–74 years, eligible for the NBCSP, and describe sociodemographics, risk factors, indications and outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using de-identified data from 441 Australian general practice sites in the MedicineInsight database, recorded from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. Results: Of the 683 625 eligible patients, 45 771 (6.7%) had a record of a general practitioner (GP)-requested FOBT, either to aid diagnosis in symptomatic patients, or for screening; 144 986 (21.2%) patients had only an NBCSP FOBT. A diagnosis of polyps, gastrointestinal inflammatory condition or haemorrhoids, or a referral to a gastroenterologist or general surgeon, was more commonly recorded in the 6 months after a GP-requested FOBT than after an NBCSP FOBT. Uptake of NBCSP FOBTs was lower among those with obesity, high alcohol consumption and current smokers, who are at higher risk of bowel cancer. Conclusions: This study describes the patient characteristics, reasons and outcomes associated with GP-requested FOBTs, identifies under-screened population sub-groups, and suggests involvement of GPs to improve participation in the NBCSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology published by Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Foundation and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)