A new study suggests extend the interval between colonoscopies — important test for tracking the colorectal cancer — from 10 to 15 years. The article, carried out by health researchers from different countries, was published in the scientific journal JAMA Network Open on the last day 2.
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon (large intestine) and the terminal ileum (final portion of the small intestine) that allows the observation of details of the surface of the intestinal mucosa. The procedure is important for detecting colorectal cancer early, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Currently, the recommendation of medical entities is that the exam be repeated every 10 years after a negative result for the tumor. However, new evidence is suggesting that screening can be done further apart.
In 2023, for example, a study had already indicated that early detection of advanced colorectal cancer up to 10 years after a negative colonoscopy is rare and that the interval between exams could be extended. At the time, researchers found a sustained low prevalence of advanced colorectal cancer of approximately 6% to 7% in men and 4% to 5% in women, even more than ten years after a negative colonoscopy.
How was the current study done?
For the new studyresearchers evaluated 110,074 Swedish adults with no family history of colorectal cancer and who had negative results at their first screening colonoscopy, performed between 1990 and 2016. The majority of participants were women and the average age was 59 years.
The researchers' goal was to compare colorectal cancer outcomes between individuals with no family history of the disease (and who received a negative initial colonoscopy) and individuals who had never been screened before (control group). This second set was made up of almost 2 million individuals.
The researchers looked at the 10-year standardized incidence rate and the 10-year standardized mortality rate. According to the study, the group that received the first negative colonoscopies had a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer and dying from the tumor over the 15-year period.
Given this, the study authors conclude that the 10-year interval between colonoscopy exams for individuals with a first negative result for colorectal cancer could be extended to 15 years. In the researchers' view, “a longer interval between colonoscopy exams may be beneficial to avoid unnecessary invasive exams.”
Study results may not be generalizable
Despite the results, the study authors assume that there are limitations that must be considered. For example, according to the researchers, the majority of participants analyzed were white and Swedish, which suggests that the results obtained may not be generalizable to all populations.
The SBCO (Brazilian Society of Oncological Surgery) continues to recommend that colonoscopy be performed every 10 years by people aged 45 and over, even among those without a family history of cancer and who had negative results in the first exam.
Source: CNN Brasil
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