Gastrointestinal endoscopy clinics of North America
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Gastrointest. Endosc. Clin. N. Am. · Jul 1997
ReviewColon cancer screening. Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer is a common neoplasia with high morbidity and mortality. With endoscopy it is possible to identify its precursor lesion, the adenoma, and early localized cancer. Early detection and removal of adenomas can reduce the incidence and mortality of this disease. ⋯ Colonoscopy also may help to stratify at-risk patients, and those with negative initial colonoscopy may not need further screening. Advances in molecular biology may provide markers for screening or identifying people who are at high risk for colorectal neoplasia. This development may allow screening to be directed at high-risk groups.