19 Sep Colon Cancer: Screening and Mortality
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Aasma Shaukat, M.D., M.P.H.
Dept. of Medicine
GI Division, MMC 36
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?
Dr. Shaukat: The study showed that screening for colon cancer using stool cards
consistently reduces risk of death from colon cancer by one-third through
thirty years. The benefit of screening in larger in men compared to women,
and for women the benefit seems to start at age 60. However, screening did
not make people live longer.
MedicalResearch.com: Were any of the findings unexpected?
Dr. Shaukat: The continued reduction in risk of death from colon cancer out to 30 years is remarkable, and suggests that taking out benign polyps may provide long lasting protection against colon cancer.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Dr. Shaukat: Screening for colon cancer reduces risk of death from colon cancer.
Our study emphasizes the importance of screening for colon cancer. The best
screening test is not known at this time. In the meantime, every clinician
and patient should be having a conversation about which test is best for
them, based on risks and benefits.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Dr. Shaukat: We are participating in an ongoing study comparing colonoscopy versus stool cards through the Veterans Affairs Medical center that might tell us which test is best. Results will be available in 10 years.
We also need to study the benefit of screening in women 50-60 more closely.
Citation:
Long-Term Mortality after Screening for Colorectal Cancer
N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1106-1114
September 19, 2013
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1300720
Last Updated on September 19, 2013 by Marie Benz MD FAAD