Screening for colorectal cancer with faecal occult blood test is effective

Screening for colorectal cancer with faecal occult blood test is effective

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of death in the Western world. Towler et al (p 559) conducted a systematic review of trialsof screening for colorectal cancer with the faecal occult bloodtest, Hemoccult. Meta-analysis of results from the four randomisedcontrolled trials showed that screening reduced mortality fromcolorectal cancer by 16% for those allocated to screening andby 23% for those who were actually screened. A biennial Hemoccultscreening programme offered to 10 000 people aged $>=$ 40 years, ofwhom about two thirds attended for at least one test, would prevent8.5 deaths from colorectal cancer over 10 years. The authors concludethat more information is needed about the harmful effects of screening,the community's responses, and costs before widespread screeningcan berecommended.

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A systematic review of the effects of screening for colorectal cancer using the faecal occult blood test, Hemoccult: Bernie Towler, Les Irwig, Paul Glasziou, Jan Kewenter, David Weller, and Chris Silagy
BMJ 1998 317: 559-565. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]