Embargoed for Release Until: Sunday, November 2, 1997, 6:00 p.m. Contact: Marie Kendra Tehonica (202) 973-1361
Analysis Supports Increased Life Expectancy from Colorectal Cancer Screening
November 2, 1997, Chicago, IL -- An analysis of the lifesaving benefits of colorectal cancer screening, presented to the 62nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, showed that without proper screening, colorectal cancer decreases life expectancy by more than eight months for adults in their early 50's.
John M. Inadomi, MD of the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico found that screening programs can extend life expectancy, especially in younger individuals. His study found that screening colonoscopy could increase life expectancy by almost five months for adults 50-54. For those aged 50 to 54, the extension of life benefit is more dramatic than in those 70 to 74, but for both groups a positive benefit was identified. The benefit of colonoscopy screening on improved life expectancy is two times longer than that of flexible sigmoidoscopy and three times longer than annual stool blood tests.
The analysis used a mathematical model know as DEALE - declining exponential approximation of life expectancy - to measure the impact of colorectal cancer screening. Dr. Inadomi and his colleagues drew on the Vital Statistics of the United States as their source for the colorectal cancer death rate in the United States, and reviewed the medical literature for findings on the decrease in mortality for various colorectal cancer screening modalities. Their model assumed a decrease in mortality from annual blood stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy of 18 percent, 30 percent and 59 percent respectively. The researchers then compared life expectancy with and without screening interventions.
Colorectal cancer is America's number 2 cancer killer, second only to lung cancer and surpassing both breast and prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 132,000 new cases will be detected in 1997, and 54,000 will die.
Most colon cancers develop from benign polyps. Early removal of polyps during screening can eliminate most colon cancers. For normal risk individuals, screening tests should begin at age 50 and consist of annual stool test for blood, and a flexible sigmoidoscopic exam every 3 to 5 years. Screening colonoscopy every 1 to 2 years is recommended for individuals at higher than normal risk for colon cancer, including those with a past history of colorectal cancer, family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease. For both average and high risk individuals, all potential pre-cancerous polyps must be removed.
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The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners.
Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
* 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcers, colon cancer, gallstones and liver disease)
* 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)
* www.acg.gi.org (ACG's web site)
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