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Screening colonoscopy in asymptomatic average-risk African Americans
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Richard A. Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|May 11, 2000
Summary
Colorectal cancer screening in African Americans reveals a 35% adenoma prevalence, with most located on the right side. Colonoscopy is recommended over sigmoidoscopy for effective screening in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is increasing in African Americans, contrasting with declining rates in white Americans.
- Previous data suggest a need to investigate CRC prevalence in asymptomatic African Americans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of colonic neoplasia (adenomas) in asymptomatic, average-risk African Americans aged over 50.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving colonoscopy screening.
- 121 asymptomatic, average-risk African Americans completed the colonoscopy procedure.
Main Results:
- Adenomas were found in 35% (42 out of 121) of participants, with a total of 72 adenomas identified.
- 65.3% of adenomas were located proximal to the splenic flexure (right-sided).
- No subjects had adenomas with severe dysplasia; three had adenomas 1 cm or larger.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of adenomas in this cohort is comparable to other populations.
- The high proportion of right-sided adenomas in African Americans warrants further investigation.
- Colonoscopy is recommended over sigmoidoscopy for colorectal neoplasia screening in asymptomatic, average-risk African Americans.