Descriptive study on the use of colonoscopy as a screening method for colorectal cancer

The aim of this study was to estimate the number of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) that underwent their first screening colonoscopy and to describe the endoscopic and anatomopathologic findings and characteristics of the patients that had a screening colonoscopy for CRC.

A cross-sectional study was conducted that included patients aged 50 to 79 years, with prepaid healthcare at a tertiary care hospital, that underwent a first colonoscopy within the time frame of 2013 and 2022. The demographic data, endoscopic findings, and biopsy results were collected. Patients with a history of previous colonoscopy or a previous CRC diagnosis were excluded. Descriptive statistics were utilized for the data analysis.

Of 28,286 colonoscopies performed, 19,222 (68%) were for CRC screening. Mean patient age was 61 years, with a predominance of women (59.5%). The prevalence of CRC diagnosis was 0.6% and the most common findings were polyps (36.7%) and diverticula (35.5%). A total of 118 cases of CRC were diagnosed, as a result of the first colonoscopy. The post-colonoscopy hospitalization rate was 1.14%.

This study provides relevant information on the characteristics of the population undergoing CRC screening at our center. Our data contribute to having a better understanding of the profile of patients that access screening and provides a solid descriptive base through which clinical practices, diagnostic method quality, and screening program results can be evaluated.