Does colonoscopy screening help in reducing the risk of colon cancer? Although colonoscopy is widely used as a screening test to detect colon cancer in old people, its effect on the risks of colon cancer and related death is unclear.
A recent clinical trial has demonstrated the success of colonoscopy screening in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Colon cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects many people around the world. Colon cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. In the United States, colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society colon cancer is expected to cause about 52,550 deaths during 2023.
While there are several effective methods for detecting and treating this cancer, one of the most common and effective is colonoscopy screening. A colonoscopy is a test to check inside your bowels. A long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it is passed into your bottom and the presence of any abnormalities is confirmed on the camera.
A recent clinical study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shed light on just how effective colonoscopy screening can be in reducing the risk of colon cancer and related death.
The clinical trial included 84,585 individuals from several different countries. They were divided into two groups. One group underwent colonoscopy screening while the other group did not.
The results of the study were clear and compelling. According to the data, individuals who underwent colonoscopy screening had a significantly lower risk of developing colon cancer than those who did not undergo screening. Specifically, those who underwent screening had a 0.98% risk of developing colon cancer while the participants who did not undergo colonoscopy had a colon cancer risk of 1.20%. Overall, colonoscopy reduced the risk of colon cancer by 18%. In addition, colonoscopy screening also reduced the risk of death in these patients.
The findings of this clinical study provide strong evidence that colonoscopy screening is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of colon cancer and related death. While there are several other screening methods available, such as fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) and stool DNA testing, colonoscopy screening remains the gold standard for detecting and treating colon cancer.
It is important to note that colonoscopy screening has its risks. While the procedure is generally safe, there is a small risk of complications, such as bleeding and perforation of the colon. However, the benefits of colonoscopy far outweigh the risks since the complication rate is quite low.
In conclusion, this clinical research has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of colonoscopy screening for reducing the risk of colon cancer and related death. However, it is important to consult a doctor before deciding to undergo colonoscopy screening.
__________