Dutch Population's Intended Uptake and Views on the Organization of Esophageal Cancer Screening: a Nationwide Survey

Rationale: Research on novel methods to screen for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has expanded. Insight into individuals' drivers and barriers to attend screening is essential to tailor a potential new screening policy to their preferences. Public preferences should also be considered on the organizational level to guarantee client-centered decision-making in the design of the screening process.

Objective: This study will examine Dutch individuals' intended uptake of EAC screening, including factors that predict uptake, and their views on its organization.

Study design: Cross-sectional population-based survey. Study population: Dutch individuals aged 45-75 years. The required sample size is 2088 and 8350 individuals will be invited based on an assumed participation rate of 25%.

Methods: Eligible individuals will be selected from the Dutch population registry (BRP) using simple random sampling. Invitations will be sent by postal mail with participants being directed to a digital survey.

Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary outcome of the study is the intended uptake of EAC screening (strong vs weak). Secondary study endpoints are the perceived need for consultation, perceived need for general education campaigns, acceptability of risk stratification scenarios, and acceptability of using health care resources for EAC screening.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Subjects will not directly benefit from participating in this study. Nonetheless, participating in this study is not associated with any healthcare risks and the burden for the subjects is very low. The survey has a low burdensome nature and will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. All data will be pseudonymized, refusal to fill out the survey or desire to withdraw from the study will not have any consequences for the invited subject.