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Screening for asymptomatic bowel cancer in general practice.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|January 7, 1984
Summary
General practitioners screened asymptomatic individuals over 40 for colorectal cancer. While cancer rates were similar, screening detected polyps in 1.5% of participants, highlighting its value.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Colorectal cancer screening is crucial for early detection.
- General practitioners play a key role in community health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of large bowel cancer and polyps in screened versus unscreened populations.
- To assess the effectiveness of general practice-based screening programs.
Main Methods:
- A screening program involving 4284 asymptomatic individuals aged over 40.
- Comparison with a control general practice of 4288 patients.
- Use of Haemoccult test followed by colonoscopy for positive results.
Main Results:
- Overall screening compliance was 42%, with higher rates in young women (60%).
- 1.5% of screened individuals (26 patients) had a positive Haemoccult test.
- Colonoscopy revealed polyps in 10 of the 26 patients with positive tests.
- Cancer incidence was similar between screened and control groups.
- No polyps were detected in the unscreened control group.
Conclusions:
- General practice screening identified polyps, suggesting potential for early cancer prevention.
- Further research is needed to optimize screening compliance and impact on cancer incidence.