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Screening asymptomatic patients for colorectal lesions
J G Cauffman1, I M Rasgon, V A Clark
1Department of Family Medicine, USC School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Family Practice Research Journal
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Smoking is linked to significant colorectal lesions in asymptomatic individuals. Men who smoke, even with negative tests, require physician attention for colorectal cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Preventive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer screening is crucial for early detection.
- Risk factors for colorectal lesions require further investigation.
- Asymptomatic individuals may harbor significant colorectal pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of significant colorectal lesions based on demographics and risk factors.
- Analyze lesion characteristics, including type, location, and size.
- Investigate the association between the villous component, location, and size of adenomas.
- Assess the frequency of nonsignificant lesions in relation to significant ones.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 1,000 asymptomatic patients aged 45 and older with negative fecal occult blood tests.
- Utilized 60-cm flexible sigmoidoscopy, with colonoscopy performed if indicated.
- Data collected on lesion prevalence, type, location, size, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- 36 patients had 62 significant lesions; 11 had multiple lesions.
- Villous component lesions were more common in patients with multiple lesions (P=0.0006).
- Smokers (P=0.002), males (P=0.006), and those who drink (P=0.007) showed higher prevalence of significant lesions.
Conclusions:
- Smoking is a significant risk factor for colorectal lesions.
- Physicians should counsel male smokers, even those with negative fecal occult blood tests, about screening.
- Further research into the relationship between lifestyle factors and colorectal lesions is warranted.