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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
07:35
Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Risk and Prevalence by Stool DNA Integrity Detection
Published on: June 8, 2020
Evidence for colorectal cancer screening
1Centre for Colorectal Cancer Screening, The Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 5313 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway. michael.bretthauer@rikshospitalet.no
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy significantly reduces CRC mortality. These evidence-based screening methods are recommended for average-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising, with a 5% lifetime risk in industrialized nations.
- CRC is a suitable target for screening due to its prevalence, identifiable precursors, and the benefits of early treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence from randomized trials on the efficacy of common CRC screening tests.
- To assess the impact of screening on CRC incidence and mortality in average-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of four randomized trials on guaiac-based fecal occult blood screening (FOBT).
- Review of three randomized trials evaluating flexible sigmoidoscopy screening.
- Focus on intention-to-screen analyses and long-term follow-up data.
Main Results:
- Guaiac-based FOBT demonstrated a 15-17% reduction in CRC mortality (15-17% for screened individuals).
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy showed a 27-67% reduction in CRC mortality.
- Significant reductions in CRC incidence were also observed for both methods.
Conclusions:
- Fecal occult blood testing and flexible sigmoidoscopy are proven methods to reduce CRC mortality.
- These screening modalities are recommended for average-risk populations based on robust trial evidence.
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