A single colonoscopy ‘dramatically’ reduces cancer deaths
Just one colon and rectal cancer screening exam could save a person’s life, New York researchers Drs Ann G Zauber and Sidney J Winawer, announced at the recent Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.
They looked at the relative effect of getting just one screening colonoscopy which cleared pre-cancerous polyps from the colon versus surveillance follow-up colonoscopy, and found a dramatic reduction in expected colorectal cancer mortality with initial polypectomy with or without surveillance.
Dr Zauber and her colleagues suggest that these findings may support the recommendation to lengthen the interval to six or more years for follow-up surveillance for patients who have polyps removed.
Current recommendations by the American College of Gastroenterology call for surveillance colonoscopy in three to five years for follow-up of patients with prior colorectal cancer, prior adenomas or disease with causes increased risk of colorectal cancer.