title: Colorectal cancer incidence rates have decreased in central Italy.
abstract: We analyzed colorectal cancer incidence data from the Tuscany Cancer Registry, central Italy, for the period 1985-2005. We carried out a trend analysis through a Joinpoint regression analysis, and summarized trends as annual percent change (APC) of the standardized (European standard) rates. Colorectal incidence rates increased until 1996 (APC=+1.4, 95% CI: 0.8-1.9), then decreased significantly (APC=-1.1, 95% CI: -0.8 to -0.4). The change was detected as statistically significant in the age group of 54+ years. Among younger individuals, we observed an increasing incidence until 2003. In the same geographical area, a colorectal screening programme has been active from 1982; it was initially based on guaiac faecal occult blood testing (GFOBT) and on immunological testing (IFOBT) since the mid 1990s. The decline in colorectal cancer incidence since 1996, in the whole population and especially among individuals older than 54 years, may suggest the effect of FOBT screening in terms of precancerous polyps removal.
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Descriptive Epidemiology Unit, Institute for Cancer Study and Prevention ISPO, Florence, Italy. e.crocetti@ispo.toscana.it
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Crocetti
authors.forename: Carlotta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Buzzoni
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zappa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006138:Guaiac; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D015994:Incidence; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007223:Infant; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012042:Registries; D017678:Sex Distribution; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D006138:Guaiac