Interval Colorectal Cancers at Ochsner Medical Center: Where Do We Stand?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Interval colorectal cancers are diagnosed between recommended screening colonoscopies.
• They may result from rapidly growing tumors, missed diagnoses, or incomplete polyp removal.
• This study investigated interval cancers and associated risk factors over a four-year period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify interval colorectal cancers diagnosed between 2010 and 2014.
• To determine potential risk factors for these cancers.
• To compare the institution's interval cancer rate with published data.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 28,794 colonoscopies performed between August 2010 and July 2014.
• Exclusion of patients under 18, with inflammatory bowel disease, prior colorectal cancer, or hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Identification of interval cancers using electronic medical records and the Louisiana Tumor Registry.

Main Results:

• Twenty interval colorectal cancers were identified over the four-year period.
• The overall incidence rate was 0.07%, or approximately 1 case per 1,400 colonoscopies.
• The occurrence rate was comparable to or lower than rates reported in other studies.

Conclusions:

• The institution exhibits a low incidence of interval colorectal cancers, indicating an effective screening program.
• Recommendations include documenting endoscopy quality measures and enhancing follow-up for high-risk patients.
• Further efforts can minimize interval colorectal cancers through improved quality and surveillance.