Age and sex: underestimated selection criteria for referral to x-ray examination of the colon?

An analysis was made of 2416 consecutive patients who underwent a double-contrast barium enema at the Central Roentgen Institute in Oslo. Age, sex, and radiological findings were registered. The age and sex distribution among patients consulting in general practice and in our study was surprisingly similar. This suggests that age as a risk factor for colorectal neoplasms did not play a prominent role among the referring doctors. Colorectal cancer was more frequent in males (4%) than females (2%) (p = 0.03). Odds ratio adjusted for age was 2.1 (1.3-3.8). This may be due to few examinations performed in old age, and different patient behaviour when experiencing colorectal symptoms. The overall polyp frequency was 11%. The frequency increased significantly from the age group 40-49.