Gastroent Hepat Barc
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Gastroent Hepat Barc · Oct 2004
Review[Population screening for colorectal cancer: a systematic review].
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health problem due to its high frequency and the mortality it provokes. This disease presents a series of characteristics that make it an ideal candidate for population screening. The aim of the present study was to analyze current knowledge on the efficacy/effectiveness of CRC screening through the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in individuals without symptoms of this disease. ⋯ Population screening for CRC reduces mortality from this disease. However, consensus is lacking on the screening method of choice and on the frequency with which screening should be performed. The method best supported by the evidence as a primary detection test is the FOBT. To date, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy should be used as diagnostic tests only, mainly because of their invasiveness.