Colon cancer screening and the evaluation and follow-up of colonic polyps.
Approximately 150,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year, and the mortality rate continues to be greater than 50% of those diagnosed. Screening for colon cancer should be part of the routine health maintenance program of the primary physician. Use of history, physical examination, and sigmoidoscopy is part of a complete program. Colonoscopic removal of polyps reduces cancer risk.
Lefton
H B
HB
Department of Medicine, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Pilchman
J
J
Harmatz
A
A
D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008403:Mass Screening; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy