Impact of antithrombotics on the fecal immunochemical test for colorectal cancer screening : a multi-center Belgian experience

Background : Impact of antithrombotics on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening remains unclear. Methods Patients undergoing colonoscopy positive FIT in 2015 were assessed at 3 Belgian centers. Significant findings advanced polyps (AP) (sessile serrated, tubular or villous adenomas >1cm high-grade dysplasia) and CRC. False detection AP/CRC with calculated. Results 510 patients (64% male, median (IQR) age 63.2 (60.2-66.4) years) included. Colorectal pathology 371/510 (73%) was associated male gender (70% vs. 48% ; p= .0001) family history (16% 8% .02). Antithrombotics 125/510 (25%) (78% 59% .0001), older (65.2 (62.2-70.3) 62.3 (58.7-66.3) years GI-symptoms (18% 11% .04). (25% 28% .52) AP (42% 36% .27) CRC (6% 5% .69) similar no antithrombotics. Use did not predict a higher chance after adjusting confounders. Conclusion Although prescribed more frequently patients, similar. Despite increased GI symptoms, false