Screening uptake in a feasibility pilot study training medical students to implement a colorectal cancer screening intervention in Alexandria, Egypt

Introduction The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of an intervention, delivered by medical students, to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among healthy adults in Alexandria, Egypt. Patients and methods Students recruited patients aged greater than or equal to 45 years waiting for appointments, providing educational information and vouchers for fecal occult blood test kits. Data were assessed for screening uptake, participants’ characteristics, preventive care usage, and perceptions of CRC severity and risk. Results Between December 2019 and March 2020, 117 patients were recruited with a 38.5% return rate of test kits. Discussion Training medical stude/nts to provide CRC education, in addition to no cost screening tests, can feasibly improve CRC screening access.