PREVENTION OF COLORECTAL-CANCER - GUIDELINES BASED ON NEW DATA

Recently published good quality data are the basis for this update. Th e newly reported studies include randomized trials, non-randomized coh ort studies, and case-control studies; some of the data had mortality reduction as the endpoint. These guidelines, which were developed by t he WHO Collaborating Center for the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in conjunction with an interna tional Advisory Committee, include primary prevention, screening of av erage-risk individuals, screening of individuals with heritable factor s for colorectal cancer, surveillance of patients with colorectal poly ps, and surveillance of patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. A li st of papers reviewed for this update are cited, including recently pu blished trials evaluating faecal occult-blood testing, case-control st udies of sigmoidoscopy, the National Polyp study, and familial colon c ancer studies. These guidelines will help inform patients and guide ph ysicians in their approach to the prevention of colorectal cancer.