Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Colon cancer screening and surveillance controversies.

Lieberman D. Colon cancer screening and surveillance controversies. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology. 2009 Sep 1; 25(5):422-7.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.
   Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions



Abstract:

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss new colorectal cancer screening tests and highlight controversies regarding colon screening and surveillance. RECENT FINDINGS: New screening guidelines were published in 2008. Tests that primarily detect early cancer include sensitive guaiac fecal occult blood test or fecal immunochemical test. Tests that can detect both early cancer and cancer precursor lesions include sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. One guideline endorses the use of computed tomographic colonography. Limitations of each test are highlighted in the new guidelines. Controversies include age to start screening, age to stop screening, and appropriate interval after a negative screening colonoscopy. New work has raised some doubt about the protective effect of colonoscopy in the proximal colon. Finally, there is new emphasis on the quality of screening programs. SUMMARY: Colorectal cancer screening can reduce both incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer if performed with high quality. New work should focus on improving the quality of all screening programs.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.