Benefits
Several studies have shown the benefits of sigmoidoscopy in detecting colorectal cancer.
In a 2009 Norwegian study results were somewhat inconclusive at seven years. “We found a trend towards reduced mortality from colorectal cancer for both total colorectal cancer mortality (27% reduction) and rectosigmoidal cancer mortality (37%), but this was not statistically significant in intention to screen analysis. Corresponding reductions in mortality among attenders [that is, the people actually screened, instead of just the ones in the group to be screened-- this data set may include selection bias) were 59% and 76%, both statistically significant compared with the control group”. The study saw no detectable difference in all-cause mortality.
A 2010 British study showed sigmoidoscopy reduced "overall colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by 31 percent," and “incidence of cancer in just the lower part of the colon (or distal colon) was reduced by approximately 50 percent for those who underwent screening compared with those in the control group.” Overall colon-cancer mortality was reduced by 43% (thus preventing one cancer per 200 screenings, and one cancer death per 500 screenings.) The study also showed that the effect was persistent-- a single sigmoidoscopy reduced cancer rates for the length of the 11 year study.
Read more about this topic: Sigmoidoscopy
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