New Research: Colonoscopy Prevents Colon Cancer Deaths
Friday, March 02, 2012
For the first time, a new study has shown that removing polyps by colonoscopy not only prevents colorectal cancer from developing, but also prevents deaths from the disease. Patients in the study were evaluated for up to 23 years after having the procedure, providing the longest follow-up results to date. The collaborative study, led by researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, will be published in the February 23, 2012 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.
"Our findings provide strong reassurance that there is a long-term benefit to removing these polyps and support continued recommendations of screening colonoscopy in people over age 50," said the study's lead author Ann G. Zauber, PhD, a biostatistician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Life-saving procedure
Tumor-like growths called adenomatous polyps are the most common abnormality found during colonoscopy screening and have the potential to become cancerous. Previous research from these investigators showed that removal of these polyps prevented colorectal cancer but it was not known whether the cancers prevented were potentially lethal. This study assessed whether removal of adenomatous polyps reduced colorectal cancer mortality - a finding that would indicate that the polyps removed had the potential to progress and cause cancer death.
"The magnitude of reduction in mortality seen after this procedure is likely due to high-quality colonoscopy performed by well-trained, experienced gastroenterologists," said the study's senior author Sidney J. Winawer, MD, a gastroenterologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Principal Investigator of the NPS.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2011 more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and almost 40,000 cases of rectal cancer were diagnosed, and that more than 49,000 people died from colon and rectal cancer combined.
Samir Shah, MD, of the Miriam Hospital
GoLocalProv spoke with Samir H. Shah, MD, chief of gastroenterology at The Miriam Hospital, about the study, colon cancer, and what Rhode Islanders can do about the disease.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThis study differentiates between removing polyps preventing the development of colorectal cancer and preventing death from the disease. Isn't that intuitive? Why is this news?
Although it is intuitive, it is very important to prove the benefit. There have been many situations in medicine where something theoretically should have a benefit or positive effect but in reality does not or the effect is much smaller than expected or overcome by other unanticipated factors. The results of this study in the NEJM strongly supports the use of colonoscopy to decrease mortality from colon cancer. Healthcare providers and consumers should be influenced by these impressive results.
What is the morbidity in RI regarding this cancer? Do you feel the local population is aware enough of the importance of screening and colonoscopies?
In RI, approximately 600 people will be diagnosed colon or rectal cancer in 2012 and nearly 200 will die from it. I believe that the majority of Rhode Islanders are aware of colon cancer and the importance of screening but a significant minority is not aware and needs this information. Even amongst those aware of the importance of screening, not all take advantage of the screening available to them. The study's publication is very timely as March is colon cancer screening awareness month and a great opportunity for people to learn about the importance of screening colonoscopies in preventing colorectal cancer.
If someone isn't sure if they need one, where should they go for answers?
They should discuss screening for colorectal cancer with their primary care provider, or a gastroenterologist ( a specialist in GI disorders including colon cancer screening with colonoscopy). They can also check out resources from several excellent websites: www.acg.gi.org, www.ricancercouncil.org, www.preventcancer.org, www.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening colonoscopies every ten years beginning at age 50 for average risk individuals as the preferred screening strategy to prevent colorectal cancer. For patients with higher risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer, earlier and more frequent screening with colonoscopy is recommended. For African Americans, the recommendation is to begin screening at age 45.
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