WHO Releases Perspective on CRC Screening Methods

The use of currently established stool-based tests and lower endoscopy can help reduce the risk of mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC), according to a perspective issued by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

This conclusion was reached following an evidence review of studies that had assessed the effectiveness of guaiac testing, the fecal immunichemical test (FIT), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and computed tomography (CT) colonography.
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Sufficient evidence indicates that screening every 2 years with the guaiac test without rehydration, as well as screening every 1 or 2 years with the higher-sensitivity guaiac test, is associated with reduced CRC mortality.

In addition, sufficient evidence supports single screening with sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, as well as screening every 2 years with FIT.

However, the researchers noted, there was only limited evidence for the use of CT colonography in reducing CRC mortality. Furthermore, there is currently not enough evidence to evaluate one test over another.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Lauby-Secretan B, Vilahur N, Bianchini F, et al. The IARC perspective on colorectal cancer screening [Published online March 26, 2018]. N Eng J Med. doi:10.1056/NEJMsr1714643.