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[Analysis of screening for colorectal cancer high-risk groups in Harbin, China 2012-2015]
Dawei Song, Rui Huang, Tianyi Ma
1Department of Colorectal Tumor Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150086, China. wxshan1208@126.com.
Insights
Colorectal cancer screening in Harbin identified a high prevalence of polyps, particularly in older males. Early detection through screening of high-risk individuals enables timely treatment for precancerous conditions and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health burden globally.
- Identifying high-risk populations is crucial for effective CRC screening and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of a CRC screening project targeting high-risk individuals in Harbin, China.
- To assess the prevalence of colorectal polyps and cancer in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A population-based screening project was conducted from 2012 to 2015.
- High-risk individuals aged 40-69 were identified using questionnaires and underwent colonoscopy.
- Epidemiological data and risk assessments were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- A total of 2,996 individuals received screening, with a polyp detection rate of 38.7%.
- Polyp prevalence increased significantly with age (48.4% in those >60 vs. 36.6% in those <60) and was higher in males (47.6% vs. 31.1%).
- Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 0.4% of screened individuals, all at early stages, and 97 cases of tubular adenoma were identified, predominantly in the distal colon and rectum.
Conclusions:
- Age and male sex are significant risk factors for colorectal polyps.
- Adenomas are most frequently found in the distal colon and rectum.
- Targeted CRC screening in high-risk groups effectively detects precancerous lesions and early-stage cancers, facilitating timely intervention.
Objective:
To evaluate the result of colorectal cancer screening for high-risk groups in Harbin, China from 2012 to 2015.
Methods:
According to the Project of National Colorectal Cancer Screening in Urban Area, epidemiological investigation and cancer risk evaluation established by National Cancer Center were performed among 40-69 years old residents in Harbin. Questionnaires were issued to assess high-risk groups for clinical screening, including colonoscope examination. The results of colorectal screening were evaluated in detail.
Results:
Project of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Urban Area was completed successfully from 2012 to 2015 in various districts of Harbin. The accomplishment of high-risk assessment included 3 017 people, while 2 996 people received the clinical screening, including 1 376 males and 1 629 females, from 40 to 69 (53.3±7.1) years old. Among 2 996 people, 1 158 cases of colorectal polyps(38.7%) were screened, including 36.6%(901/2 465) cases of age<60 and 48.4%(257/531) cases of age>60 years old with significant difference (χ2=19.19, P<0.01), and 47.6% (651/1 367) cases of male and 31.1%(507/1 629) cases of female with significant difference (χ2=85.33, P<0.01). Of 1 158 polyps patients, 141 received the pathological examination and 11 patients were diagnosed as colorectal cancer, accounting for 0.4% of overall screening people (11/2 996). All these 11 patients underwent operation by advice and the postoperative pathology results all indicated early adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, among 141 polyps patients, 97 cases of tubular adenoma were found, which were distributed as follows: 2 cases of cecum (2.1%), 14 cases of ascending colon(14.4%), 12 cases of transverse colon (12.4%), 15 cases of descending colon (15.5%), 35 cases of sigmoid colon (36.1%) and 19 cases of rectum(19.6%).
Conclusion:
With the increase in age, the risk of colorectal polyps is significantly elevated. The males have higher incidence of colorectal polyps than the females. Adenoma mainly locates in the distal colon and rectum, especially in the sigmoid colon. Early screening for high-risk group can find out colorectal precancerosis and cancer, so the patients can receive early treatment.

