Screening for colorectal cancer
Mandel, J.S.
Current Opinion in General Surgery 1994: 79-84
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 1065-6243 PMID: 7584018 Document Number: 430990
This paper reviews studies on fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer. Recently published data from a randomized controlled trial provides the first concrete evidence that annual screening for fecal occult blood can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by at least 33%. These results are corroborated by a nonrandomized but controlled study that showed a 43% colorectal cancer mortality reduction with early detection through fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy, and by a case-control study that showed a 31% colorectal cancer mortality reduction associated with fecal occult blood testing. Persuasive data to support screening recommendations for sigmoidoscopy are not yet available; however, results from observational studies are suggestive and should stimulate further research to assess the benefit of sigmoidoscopy screening.