[Colorectal cancer: detection using the guaiac test at a primary care center]

Colorectal cancer constitutes a serious health care problem in the Western world due to its frequency and mortality. Early detection and strict follow up of disease with risk of degeneration may increase survival. The guaiac test for fecal occult blood detection (one of the first signs of cancer) may contribute to the aforementiokned.

The guaiac test was randomly offered to patients consulting in general medicine. Those who accepted were taken to group meeting in general information and the test. Patients with positive tests underwent colonoscopy. Patients delaying the conclusion of the study were remained by telephone. Participation and the lesions detected were evaluated.

The test was offered to 1,605 subjects, of whom 1,334 attended the meetings and 1,166 completed the test. Sixty patients were found to be positive and 52 underwent colonoscopy. The most significant diagnosis were 5 carcinomas at different stages and 25 neoplastic polyps. One hundred seventy-eight people were recouperated from 481 telephoned.

The high participation in this study concerning early detection and follow up of disease with risk of degeneration to colorectal carcinoma is emphasized, in addition to the good response to the use of the telephone. Moreover, the low rejection to colonoscopy and the important lesions detected during this study are also of note.