OAK BROOK, Ill., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Spokespersons for the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) have commented on the recent multi-center study under the leadership of Duke University Medical Center researchers and published in the Jan. 1, 2005 issue of The Lancet. The study shows dramatic evidence that colonoscopy is still the most accurate method for screening for colon cancer.
In direct comparisons on 614 patients at risk for colon cancer, the study tested the relative sensitivity of the two widely used techniques for detecting colon cancer -- 1) air-contrast barium enema (ACBE) and 2) colonoscopy -- with a newer non-invasive technique called 3) computed tomographic colonography (CTC). (See descriptions below.) Colonoscopy was by far the most reliable for detecting both large and smaller colon polyps.
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and Western Europe. The lifetime risk of developing this cancer is approximately 6% of the adult U.S. population and almost half will die as a consequence. Early detection can save lives, so screening is crucial.
ASGE Statements Concerning Comparative Colon Cancer Screening Methods
Statement by David J. Bjorkman, MD, president of the ASGE and Dean of the University of Utah School of Medicine:
“This research reaffirms that colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening patients for colon cancer. In the study, colonoscopy detected virtually all (98%) of larger polyps and (99%) of smaller lesions. Compared to the other two screening methods, colonoscopy was 39% more accurate than CTC and 51% more accurate than ACBE in detecting larger lesions (10 mm +) and 51% more accurate than CTC and 64% more accurate than ACBE in detecting smaller lesions (6-9 mm).”
Statement by David Lieberman, MD, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR, and past president of ASGE:
“Colonoscopy is still the most accurate test for detection and removal of cancer and pre-cancerous growths in the colon. Like any medical test, colonoscopy is not perfect, and some polyps may be present, but not detected. However, most pre-cancerous polyps and virtually all cancers will be detected, and can usually be removed during the colonoscopy examination.”
For more information on colorectal cancer screening, contact the ASGE at http://www.askasge.org/ or call 1-866-305-ASGE.
3 Methods of Colon Cancer Screening Compared in the Duke University Medical
Center Study
1. Air-contrast barium enema (ACBE) -- A small volume of liquid barium is introduced into the colon, which is then distended with air, coating the surface of the colon with a thin layer of agent to permit an X-ray study to review for any abnormalities.
2. Colonoscopy -- A long, thin, flexible tube containing a color video camera (endoscope) is inserted into the digestive tract, which provides close- up video images of the patient’s digestive system. It also has devices to collect sample tissues, stop bleeding and remove polyps during the same procedure.
3. Computed tomography colonography (CTC) -- A CT scan is used to create computer-generated images of the colon to inspect for polyps.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
CONTACT: Robert J. Buzogany of American Society for GastrointestinalEndoscopy, +1-440-338-1023, or ASGEnews@msn.com
Web site: http://www.asge.org/
