[The status of colon cancer screening]

Recent research into an early detection of colorectal cancers shows a surprisingly great progress. In 1991, Mr. Hisamichi reports that a mass screening method for colorectal cancers through immunological fecal occult blood tests may result in fewer fatalities due to colorectal cancers. This paper describes the current situations and future prospects of UICC workshops in principle, as undermentioned in 1 through 6. 1. The target population should be clearly defined and selected in such a way that, given the likely sensitivity and specificity of the test, an acceptable predictive value will be achieved. 2. As far as possible, the target population should be limited to those at particular risk of the disease in order to give a reasonable prevalence of detection when such individuals at risk can be identified. 3. There should be a reasonable expectation of reaching the target population and of achieving reasonable compliance in response to invitations to attend. The expected level of compliance should be stated. 4. There should be a reasonable expectation that recommendations for further diagnostic evaluation will be complied with by individuals who have a positive test. 5. There should be an agreed-upon policy on the classification of borderline abnormalities and also on their management, as well as on recommendations for their follow-up. 6. There should be a reasonable expectation that recommendations for appropriate management of lesions discovered by a screening program will be complied with both by the individual with the lesion and by the physicians responsible for his health care.