title: Screening for colorectal cancer.
abstract: This paper reviews studies on fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer. Recently published data from a randomized controlled trial provides the first concrete evidence that annual screening for fecal occult blood can reduce colorectal cancer mortality by at least 33%. These results are corroborated by a nonrandomized but controlled study that showed a 43% colorectal cancer mortality reduction with early detection through fecal occult blood testing and sigmoidoscopy, and by a case-control study that showed a 31% colorectal cancer mortality reduction associated with fecal occult blood testing. Persuasive data to support screening recommendations for sigmoidoscopy are not yet available; however, results from observational studies are suggestive and should stimulate further research to assess the benefit of sigmoidoscopy screening.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Mandel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy; D015996:Survival Rate