Colonoscopy screening markedly reduces the occurrence of colon carcinomas and carcinoma-related death: a closed cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy with a possible polypectomy is an efficient and preferred screening method to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, critics argue that, to date, a reduction of incidence and mortality from CRC has not been demonstrated in a population-based setting.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of and mortality from CRC among individuals screened by colonoscopy and non-screened individuals.

DESIGN

A closed cohort study.

SETTING

Population-based setting in a precisely defined area with a low level of population migration.

PATIENTS: This study involved 1912 screened and 20,774 control participants.

INTERVENTION: CRC cases in this closed cohort study were prospectively collected during the screening period of 1 year and the follow-up period of 6 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Follow-up data were corrected for negligible migration balance in the area. Tumor characteristics and risk or protective factors, age and sex, participation in general health screening examinations, history of CRC in a first-degree relative, smoking status, body mass index, frequency of sports activity, eating habits, and patients' professions were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall cancer incidence was significantly lower in the screened group compared with the non-screened group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16-0.59; P < .001). Colon cancer-associated mortality also was clearly lower (adjusted OR 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01-0.93; P = .04). Risk factors such as lifestyle, smoking, and body mass index as well as family history were similar in both groups. Blue-collar workers had a higher incidence of CRC compared with professionals. The risk factors for CRC were a positive family history and smoking.

LIMITATIONS: Number and ethnicity of the participants, non-randomized study.

CONCLUSION

Colonoscopy with polypectomy significantly reduces CRC incidence and cancer-related mortality in the general population.