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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., (Copyright © 2012 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Study Aims: Various screening methods for colorectal cancer (CRC) are promoted by professional societies; however, few data are available about the factors that determine patient participation in screening, which is crucial to the success of population-based programs. This study aimed (i) to identify factors that determine acceptance of screening and preference of screening method, and (ii) to evaluate procedure success, detection of colorectal neoplasia, and patient satisfaction with screening colonoscopy., Patients and Methods: Following a public awareness campaign, the population aged 50 - 80 years was offered CRC screening in the form of annual fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, a combination of both, or colonoscopy., Results: 2731 asymptomatic persons (12.0 % of the target population) registered with and were eligible to take part in the screening program. Access to information and a positive attitude to screening were major determinants of participation. Colonoscopy was the method preferred by 74.8 % of participants. Advanced colorectal neoplasia was present in 8.5 %; its prevalence was higher in males and increased with age. Significant complications occurred in 0.5 % of those undergoing colonoscopy and were associated with polypectomy or sedation. Most patients were satisfied with colonoscopy and over 90 % would choose it again for CRC screening., Conclusions: In this population-based study, only a small proportion of the target population underwent CRC screening despite an extensive information campaign. Colonoscopy was the preferred method and was safe. The determinants of participation in screening and preference of screening method, together with the distribution of colorectal neoplasia in different demographic categories, provide a rationale for improving screening procedures.

Questions Under Study: The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) starts to increase at the age of 50 years in average persons without special risk factors. The significance of clinical symptoms and frequency of endoscopies done at this age are hitherto unknown. We do not know the stage of colorectal cancers nor the distribution of advanced neoplasms in symptomatic persons above 50 years. These data are of interest to validate the necessity of screening programmes, to define the target population and to interpret results of screening studies in asymptomatic people., Methods: Endoscopies of the colon performed from 1991 to 2000 in symptomatic patients aged 50 to 80 in the well-defined area of Uri were analysed retrospectively, focusing on symptoms leading to the endoscopy and the occurrence of neoplastic lesions., Results: Sixteen percent of the population at the age of 50-80 years had a colonoscopy for workup of symptoms. A CRC was found in 5.5% of all patients (83 of 1514 patients), in 12.3% of patients with tumour suspicious symptoms, but only in 0.3% of patients with unspecific pain. Stage of tumours was often advanced (82% T3/T4, 38% N1-3, 21% M1). In 2.6% of patients a colorectal cancer was found before the age of 60, mostly in men. Advanced lesions were more frequent in men, increasing with age., Conclusions: A substantial part of the population above the age of 50 had an endoscopic workup of the colon for symptoms, what has to be considered when defining the target population and the necessary manpower of screening programmes. Tumour-suspicious symptoms were significant predictors for the presence of a CRC, but tumours were often already advanced. This underlines the importance to screen persons before developing symptoms.