COLONOSCOPY AS A MASS-SCREENING TOOL

There is strong evidence that population screening can reduce mortalit y from colorectal cancer. Screening tests such as faecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy are used to identify patients with an increased risk of cancer who would benefit from a full colon examinati on. There is indirect evidence that colonoscopy may be effective as a mass screening tool. Potential benefits of colonoscopy include the abi lity to visualize the entire colon and to detect and remove polyps, wh ich could prevent cancers, and identify cancers if present anywhere in the colon. Issues related to the implementation of a colonoscopy scre ening programme are discussed. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.