Risk factors in asymptomatic subjects screened for colorectal cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of risk factors in 531 asymptomatic voluntary subjects screened for colorectal benign polyps and malignancy. Age limits were 50 years or above. A questionnaire was completed by all subjects with the results reviewed by a physician who checked for correct interpretation and accuracy of their responses. High risk factors in this study were current colorectal adenomatous polyps and malignancies, positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT), past history of colorectal benign polyps or malignancies, family medical history of first and second degree relatives with benign polyps or malignancies, multiple malignancies in the family, and ulcerative colitis. There were 531 60-cm flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopies (FFS), 330 FOBT, and 97 (18.3%) colonoscopies performed. A total of 139 (26%) subjects had one or more high risk factors, and among these subjects, 69 (13%) adenomatous polyps, 2 (0.38%) malignant polyps, and 1 (0.19%) invasive adenocarcinoma were found. Subjects known to have high risk factors, including those who are asymptomatic, should be screened for colorectal polyps and malignancies.