title: Early cancer detection. Colorectal cancer.
abstract: Persons with symptoms or signs suggestive of colorectal cancer require complete exam of the large bowel either by sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, with barium enema, or by total colonoscopy. A test for fecal occult blood (FOBT) is not necessary here. In asymptomatic persons at average risk for colorectal cancer, the following screening recommendations are made: from age 40, annual digital rectal exam and FOBT; and, from age 50, sigmoidoscopy, preferably flexible, every 3 to 5 years after two negative annual exams. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer in one or more first-degree relatives, annual digital rectal exam and FOBT should begin at age 40, with either barium enema and sigmoidoscopy or total colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years. Persons with a history of chronic ulcerative colitis, polyposis syndromes, or prior colorectal adenomas or cancer merit special attention.
authors.affiliation: New York Hospital--Cornell University Medical College, Department of Surgery, NY 10021.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: DeCosse
mesh_terms: D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D009780:Occult Blood; D012307:Risk Factors