Knowledge, attitudes, and practices in colorectal cancer screening in the Philippines

Background and Objective@#Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third highest incidence in the Philippines. Currently, there is a paucity in literature that is focused on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Filipinos regarding CRC screening. This is the first study in the Philippines that describes this. @*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study that validated a 52-item Filipino questionnaire on the knowledge on colorectal cancer, willingness to undergo CRC screening, and perceived benefits and barriers to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy. The study enrolled household heads more than 20 years of age residing in both urban and rural communities in the Philippines. @*Results@#The UP-PGH CRC KAP (University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Colorectal Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices) and Rawl Questionnaire’s validity and internal consistency were established in a pilot study of 30 respondents. A total of 288 respondents were then enrolled to the main study group with a median age of 54.0. Knowledge scores for prognosis and utility of CRC screening were modest (6.3/12 and 8.4/20, respectively). Perceived benefit scores to FOBT and colonoscopy were high (9.9/12 and 13.9/16, respectively).Median scores to barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy were intermediate (22.5/36 and 35.8/60, respectively). Notably, a vast majority (86.1%) were willing to participate in CRC screening programs initiated by the government, and 46.9% agreed to undergo screening tests even as out-of-pocket expense. @*Conclusion@#The UP-PGH CRC KAP Questionnaire as well as the Filipino translation of the Rawl Questionnaire are reliable and valid tools in extensively assessing the knowledge of Filipinos on CRC and willingness to undergo screening, as well as the benefits of and barriers to FOBT and colonoscopy. Knowledge scores were modest suggesting that directed educational campaigns and awareness programs can aid in increasing awareness about CRC and its screening. Household income and highest educational attainment were significantly positively correlated with knowledge scores, and perceived benefits of and barriers to CRC screening. Scores were generally comparable between urban and rural communities.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of qualitative and quantitative fecal immunochemical tests in colorectal cancer screening / 预防医学

Objective@#To compare the effectiveness of qualitative and quantitative fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) in identifying colorectal cancer, so as to provide insights into perfecting screening strategies for colorectal cancer.@*Methods@#Participants in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program for Key Populations in Zhejiang Province from May 2020 to December 2021 were recruited, and their demographic information, lifestyle and disease history were collected through a questionnaire survey. Qualitative or quantitative FIT along with a questionnaire-based risk assessment were employed as the initial screening tests. Individuals who were positive in any FIT or had high-risk assessment results were required to attend a subsequent colonoscopy examination. The positive rate, detection rate of colorectal cancer, positive predictive value and number of colonoscopies required were compared between qualitative and quantitative FITs, and stratified analyses by gender and age were conducted.@*Results@#Totally 4 099 769 participants were included. The qualitative FIT group included 3 574 917 individuals, yielding a positive rate of 11.35%, a detection rate of 1.19%, a positive predictive value of 0.48% and 83.84 colonoscopies required to detect one cancer case. The quantitative FIT group involved 524 852 individuals, yielding a positive rate of 6.70%, a detection rate of 2.31%, a positive predictive value of 1.01% and 43.23 colonoscopies required to detect one cancer case. The quantitative FIT group showed significantly higher detection rate of colorectal cancer, higher positive predictive value and less number of colonoscopies required compared to the qualitative FIT group (all P<0.05). The same results were obtained after stratification by gender and age.@*Conclusion@#Compared to qualitative FIT, quantitative FIT improves the detection of colorectal cancer and reduces the workload of colonoscopy examinations, making it more suitable for colorectal cancer screening in large-scale populations.

Artificial Intelligence ⁃ based Colorectal Polyp Diagnostic System Can Increase the Detection Rate of Polyps: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study / 胃肠病学

Colonoscopy with polypectomy significantly reduces the incidence of colorectal cancer and cancer - related mortality. However, a pooled miss rate of 22% for polyps was documented. Aims: To explore the clinical application value of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based colorectal polyp diagnostic system for polyp detection. Methods: A total of 400 patients who underwent colonoscopy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September to November 2021 were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups: one group received routine colonoscopy, and the other group received AI system assisted colonoscopy. There were 200 cases in each group. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was used to evaluate bowel preparation quality. The primary outcome was polyp detection rate (PDR), and the secondary outcome was polyps per colonoscopy (PPC). Results: AI system significantly increased PDR and PPC (37.0% vs. 23.0%, 0.775 vs. 0.495, all P0.05). The bowel preparation quality was classified as“poor”(BBPS 0-5 points),“qualified”(BBPS 6-7 points) and“excellent”(BBPS 8-9 points). There were no significant differences in polyp detection between the two groups when the bowel preparation quality was“poor”or “excellent”(all P>0.05). PDR and PPC were significantly increased in AI group when the bowel preparation quality was “qualified”(33.0% vs. 20.0%, 0.670 vs. 0.450, all P<0.05). Conclusions: AI-based colorectal polyp diagnostic system can significantly improve PDR and PPC because of the significant increase in the number of diminutive and small polyps detected. In addition, when the bowel preparation is qualified, the AI system can play better for polyp detection.

Significance of Colorectal Cancer Screening for Early Diagnosis of Colorectal Neoplasms / 胃肠病学

Background: The incidence rate and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China are increasing, and the age of onset is tending to be younger. Aims: To analyze the results of colonoscopy in patients positive for CRC screening, and to explore the significance of a CRC screening protocol that combines risk assessment questionnaire with fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in early diagnosis of colorectal neoplasms. Methods: Individuals who were positive for the first stage of screening (questionnaire + FOBT) in a community CRC screening program in Shanghai Huangpu District from May 2013 to October 2019 and then received the second stage of screening (colonoscopy) in Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch were enrolled consecutively. Biopsy or polypectomy specimens were taken for pathological examination if any lesions were found endoscopically. Patients who underwent colonoscopy due to changes in bowel habits in the same period were served as controls. The detection rates of colorectal neoplasms in these two groups and the disease characteristics in the screening positive group were analyzed. Results: The screening positive group included 1 329 residents positive for the first stage of screening. The overall detection rate of colorectal lesions was 63.3%, and the detection rates of CRC, colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps were 2.6% (34 cases), 60.7% (807 cases) and 35.2% (468 cases), respectively. While in control group (n=22 438), the rates were 43.6%, 1.8%, 41.5%, and 21.6%, respectively, all were significantly lower than those in screening positive group (all P<0.05). In screening positive group, the overall detection rate of colorectal lesions was higher in male than in female (73.7% vs. 54.2%, P<0.05) and increased with aging (P<0.05). Most of the CRC cases were in 60-79 years old age group with no gender difference. All CRC and most of the adenomas with dysplasia were greater than or equal to 1 cm in diameter, while most of the adenomas without dysplasia, hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps were less than 1 cm in diameter. Conclusions: The community CRC screening program practiced in China can increase the detection rates of CRC and precancerous lesions effectively.

Impacto da retroflexão na detecção de lesões de cólon proximal: avaliação de 393 pacientes em hospital privado terciário / Impact of retroflexed view on the detection of lesions in the proximal colon: assessment of 393 patients in a private tertiary hospital

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The gold standard test for colorectal cancer screening the colonoscopy. Although this is the test of choice, colonoscopy misses a significant number of lesions, mainly in the proximal colon. With the purpose of reducing the number of lesions missed, new techniques have been studied, amongst them, retroflexed view in the right side of the colon and the second direct forward view. OBJECTIVE: Assessing the safety of the retroview in the proximal colon (cecum and ascending colon), its impact on the detection of lesions in the proximal colon and its advantage over the double right forward view using adenoma detection rate and adenoma miss rate. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-three patients who came to Hospital Mater Dei to undergo colonoscopy from March to July 2017, prospectively. Out of these, 372 were included in the study based on the following exclusion criteria: being under 18 years of age, inadequate bowel preparations (Boston scale <7), history of colectomy, inflammatory bowel disease or polypoid diseases. First, an endoscopist inserted the colonoscope into the cecum and examine the cecum and the ascending colon with a forward view twice. In the third insertion into the cecum, retroflexed view was performed, cecal mucosa was examined until the hepatic flexure in search of polyps missed on forward view. All lesions found were resected and sent for histological analysis. RESULTS: In 334 (89.8%) patients, retroflexed view was performed successfully, 65.8% of failures were attributed to the loops of the device which prevented the maneuver. The direct view identified 175 polyps in the proximal colon in 102 people. Retroflexed view detected 26 polyps missed by the direct view in 24 (6.5%) people, with a missing rate of 12.9% in the test with only the forward view. Out of the 26 polyps found in retroview, 21 (80.76%) were adenomas, one of them with a high-grade dysplasia. Eleven patients had polyps seen only in retroflexed view. Retroview has increased the polyp detection rate from 27.41% to 31.72% and the adenoma detection rate from 21.77% to 25%. The adenoma miss rate by the double direct view was 12.8%. Without the retroview, one polyp in every 13.91 colonoscopies would be missed (number needed to treat - NNT=13.91). There was no adverse event. CONCLUSION: The retroflexed view technique in the proximal colon was shown to be safe, fast and feasible in most cases. It increased the adenoma detection rate and was shown to be advantageous in this study wit benefit beyond the double direct view.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O exame padrão ouro para rastreamento de câncer colorretal é a colonoscopia. Apesar de ser o exame de escolha, a colonoscopia perde um número não desprezível de lesões, principalmente no cólon proximal. Com a intenção de reduzir a perda de lesões, novas técnicas são estudadas, dentre elas, a retroflexão em cólon direito e a segunda visão frontal direta. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a segurança da retrovisão no cólon proximal (ceco e cólon ascendente), o seu impacto na detecção de lesões em cólon proximal e sua superioridade sobre a dupla visão frontal direta usando taxa de detecção de adenoma e taxa de adenoma perdido. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 393 pacientes de forma prospectiva que procuraram o Hospital Mater Dei para realizar colonoscopia entre março e julho de 2017. Desses, 372 foram incluídos baseados nos critérios de exclusão: menores de 18 anos, preparos intestinais inadequados (escala de Boston <7), com antecedente de colectomia, doença inflamatória intestinal ou síndromes polipoides. Primeiramente um endoscopista realizou a inserção do colonoscópio até o ceco e examinou o ceco e o cólon ascendente em visão frontal por duas vezes. Na terceira reinserção até o ceco era realizada a retroflexão e inspeção da mucosa do ceco até a flexura hepática em busca de pólipos perdidos à visão frontal. Todas lesões encontradas foram ressecadas e enviadas para análise histológica. RESULTADOS: Em 334 (89,8%) pacientes a retroflexão foi realizada com sucesso, 65,8% dos insucessos foram atribuídos a alças no aparelho que impediram a manobra. A visão direta identificou 175 pólipos no cólon proximal em 102 pessoas. A retroflexão detectou 26 pólipos perdidos pela visão direta em 24 (6,5%) pessoas, com uma taxa de perda de 12,9% no exame apenas em visão frontal. Dos 26 pólipos encontrados em retrovisão, 21 (80,76%) eram adenomas, um deles com displasia de alto grau. Onze pacientes tinham pólipos vistos apenas em retroflexão. A realização da retrovisão aumentou a taxa de detecção de pólipo de 27,41% para 31,72% e a taxa de detecção e adenomas de 21,77% para 25%. A taxa de adenoma perdido pela dupla visão direta foi de 12,8%. Se a retrovisão não fosse realizada, um pólipo a cada 13,91 colonoscopias seria perdido (NNT=13,91). Não houve nenhum evento adverso. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de retroflexão em cólon proximal mostrou-se segura, rápida e factível na maioria dos casos. Ela aumentou a taxa de detecção de adenomas e mostrou-se soberana neste estudo com benfeitorias além da dupla visão direta.

A review of international progress in colorectal cancer screening programs / 上海预防医学

Objective:To summarize the international experience in colorectal cancer population screening programs， so as to provide reference for the development and promotion of similar programs in China. Methods:We used “colorectal cancer population screening program” as key words to search the database of CNKI and Web of Science in this study. Results:A total of 18 reports （including 17 programs） were selected from 187 Chinese and 1 256 English literatures. International colorectal cancer screening programs were organized to target asymptomatic 50-74 years old population for fecal immunochemical test every two years and recommend participants with positive result to take further colonoscopy. These programs reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer and adenoma， which were beneficial to early diagnosis and treatment in colorectal cancer patients. They also showed good cost-effectiveness. Conclusion:Based on the domestic and foreign experiences， we suggest to further improve colorectal cancer screening programs in China， including designing evidence-based and feasible strategies， attaching importance to the implementation and management of the programs， and simultaneously implementing project monitoring and effectiveness evaluation.

Knowledge and practice of colorectal cancer screening in an urban setting: cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians in government clinics in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION@#Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide in 2008 (1.23 million cases, 9.7%). CRC screening was shown to be effective in reducing 70% of CRC mortality. However, the screening rate for CRC remains poor.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary care physicians (PCPs) in public primary care clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A 30-item self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and practice of CRC screening.@*RESULTS@#The response rate was 86.4% (n = 197/228). Less than half (39.1%) of the respondents answered correctly for all risk stratification scenarios. Mean knowledge score on CRC screening modalities was 48.7% ± 17.7%. The knowledge score was positively associated with having postgraduate educational qualification and usage of screening guidelines. Overall, 69.9% of PCPs reported that they practised screening. However, of these, only 25.9% of PCPs screened over 50% of all eligible patients. PCPs who agreed that screening was cost-effective (odds ratio [OR] 3.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69‒6.59) and those who agreed that they had adequate resources in their locality (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.01‒3.68) were more likely to practise screening. Knowledge score was not associated with the practice of screening (p = 0.185).@*CONCLUSION@#Knowledge and practice of CRC screening was inadequate among PCPs. Knowledge of screening did not translate into its practice. PCPs' perceptions about cost-effectiveness of screening and adequate resources were important determinants of the practice of screening.

La colonoscopia en la pesquisa de cáncer colorrectal / Colonoscopy in screening for colorectal cancer

El cáncer colorrectal representa una de las primeras causas de muerte por cáncer en todo el mundo y también en la Argentina. En los últimos años la pesquisa de cáncer de colon ha cobrado gran importancia y se ha postulado a la colonoscopia como el patrón de oro. En esta revisión resumimos las evidencias de este método poniendolo en contexto con las complicaciones y desventajas.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deathworldwide and also in Argentina. In the past few years colorectalcancer screening has become more popular and colonoscopyhas been postulated as the gold standard. In thisreview we analyzed the evidence supporting this methodin contrast with its complications and disadvantages.

Adenoma detection rate of fecal occult blood test-positive population in colorectal cancer screening and potential influence of“resection and discard”strategy / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the adenoma detection rate( ADR)of fecal occult blood test (FOBT)-positive population in colorectal cancer screening programme and to analyse potential influence of“resection and discard”strategy on ADR. Methods Data of patients who paticipated in the Shanghai color-ectal cancer screening programme with FOBT-positive and received colonoscopy in the Digestive Endoscopic Center of Changhai Hospital from July 2013 to July 2014 were retrospectively analysed. ADR was calculated and compared by different genders. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyse the risk factors of polyp resection without retrieval. Results A total of 222 FOBT-positive patients were involved with 36. 5% male proportion. The total ADR was 19. 8%,higher in male(28. 4%)than in female(14. 9%)(P=0. 015). The independent risk factors of polyp resection without retrieval were diminutive polyp( OR =15. 256,95% CI:4. 159-55. 957),located in rectum( OR = 3. 663,95% CI:1. 427-9. 398) and polyp number >2(OR= 3. 988,95%CI:1. 562-10. 187).Conclusion ADR of FOBT-positive population is approx-imately 20%in our center. Low male proportion and“resection and discard”strategy may lead to lower ADR. ADR should be calculated by different genders and advanced endoscopic technology should be employed rou-tinely to predict the pathological diagonosis of the lesions.

Community colorectal cancer screening program in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Shanghai public health service-community colorectal cancer screening program, was officially launched in November 2012 , so as to carry out colorectal cancer prevention and health education through free screening services in the whole city.The establishment of the program was based on the comprehensive analysis of disease burden caused by colorectal cancer in Shanghai, with three years of pilot study in Qibao Community.In the first round of screening, one million people participated and 1 960 colorectal cancer cases were detected, with the proportion of the earlier stage cancer being 52.8%, which was 4.36 times the level in Shanghai before screening.At the same time, 7 911 cases of precancerous lesion were detected.The objective of program was achieved, with precious experience obtained in implementation of similar disease screening programs.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Stool DNA and Other Noninvasive Modalities

Colorectal cancer screening dates to the discovery of pre-cancerous adenomatous tissue. Screening modalities and guidelines directed at prevention and early detection have evolved and resulted in a significant decrease in the prevalence and mortality of colorectal cancer via direct visualization or using specific markers. Despite continued efforts and an overall reduction in deaths attributed to colorectal cancer over the last 25 years, colorectal cancer remains one of the most common causes of malignancy-associated deaths. In attempt to further reduce the prevalence of colorectal cancer and associated deaths, continued improvement in screening quality and adherence remains key. Noninvasive screening modalities are actively being explored. Identification of specific genetic alterations in the adenoma-cancer sequence allow for the study and development of noninvasive screening modalities beyond guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing which target specific alterations or a panel of alterations. The stool DNA test is the first noninvasive screening tool that targets both human hemoglobin and specific genetic alterations. In this review we discuss stool DNA and other commercially available noninvasive colorectal cancer screening modalities in addition to other targets which previously have been or are currently under study.

Adherence to colonoscopy recommendations for first-degree relatives of young patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVES:Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening for first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer before the age of 50. A colonoscopy is one of the most commonly recommended exams due to its specificity and the possibility to resect pre-malignant lesions. Nevertheless, the rate of physician adherence to this recommendation is unknown.METHODS:This transversal study was performed at a major cancer center in Brazil with 62 patients, aged 18 to 50, who completed a questionnaire on information received from their physicians regarding screening their first-degree relatives. We used the answers from patients who provided explicit consent.RESULTS:Two hundred and three patients were eligible to participate and 93 (45.8%) agreed to complete the questionnaire. Twenty-three questionnaires (24.73%) were returned and 39 were completed by telephone. Of the patients who answered the questionnaire, 39 (62.9%) had received a colonoscopy recommendation for their first-degree relatives and 23 (37.1%) were not informed of the recommendation. Among the patients who received the recommendations, 20.51% affirmed that all relatives completed the exam and 51.28% stated that no relatives completed the exam.DISCUSSION:The adherence rate of our physicians to the ACG guideline recommendations was 62.9%. Considering that our study was performed at a leading center for cancer treatment in Latin America, we had expected better adherence. The results show that adherence to the colorectal cancer screening recommendations for high-risk patients must be improved.

Immunochemical Faecal Occult Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review

A systematic review on the effectiveness and costeffectiveness of Immunochemical faecal occult IFOBT for CRC screening was carried out. A total of 450 relevant titles were identified, 41 abstracts were screened and 18 articles were included in the results. There was fair level of retrievable evidence to suggest that the sensitivity and specificity of IFOBT varies with the cut-off point of haemoglobin, whereas the diagnostic accuracy performance was influenced by high temperature and haemoglobin stability. A screening programme using IFOBT can be effective for prevention of advanced CRC and reduced mortality. There was also evidence to suggest that IFOBT is cost-effective in comparison with no screening, whereby a two-day faecal collection method was found to be costeffective as a means of screening for CRC. Based on the review, quantitative IFOBT method can be used in Malaysia as a screening test for CRC. The use of fully automated IFOBT assay would be highly desirable.

Population Screening for Colorectal Cancer Means Getting FIT: The Past, Present, and Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening Using the Fecal Immunochemical Test for Hemoglobin (FIT)

Fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin (FIT) are changing the manner in which colorectal cancer (CRC) is screened. Although these tests are being performed worldwide, why is this test different from its predecessors? What evidence supports its adoption? How can this evidence best be used? This review addresses these questions and provides an understanding of FIT theory and practices to expedite international efforts to implement the use of FIT in CRC screening.

La colonoscopia en la pesquisa de cáncer colorrectal / Colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy

El cáncer colorrectal representa una de las primeras causas de muerte por cáncer en todo el mundo y también en la Argentina. En los últimos años la pesquisa de cáncer de colon ha cobrado gran importancia y se ha postulado a la colonoscopia como el patrón de oro. En esta revisión resumimos las evidencias de este método poniendolo en contexto con las complicaciones y desventajas.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide and also in Argentina. In the past few years colorectal cancer screening has become more popular and colonoscopy has been postulated as the gold standard. In this review we analyzed the evidence supporting this method in contrast with its complications and disadvantages.

The Significance of Fecal Immunochemical Test to Screen for Colorectal Cancer in National Cancer Screening Program

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of death and poses a major public health concern. The National CRC Screening Programme (NCSP) provides annual CRC screening using a fecal occult blood test for individuals >50 years of age since 2004. The purpose of the current study was to determine the outcomes and efficacy of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) based on the NCSP in a quality-controlled university hospital setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and a standardized questionnaire from the NCSP of 3,852 individuals who underwent a FIT between March and December 2009. All of the subjects submitted a stool specimen for a FIT, while a double-contrast barium enema or colonoscopy was performed as a confirmatory examination for FIT-positive individuals. The CRC screening rate and rate of detection colorectal adenomas, advanced adenomas, and colorectal cancers by FIT were evaluated. RESULTS: The CRC screening rate with FIT was very high (72.3%), but the positive rate of detection by FIT was only 1.3%. The rate of detection for colorectal cancers, adenomas, and advanced adenomas by FIT was 0.08%, 0.39%, and 0.13%, respectively. The quantitative values of FIT in individuals with colorectal adenomas and cancers were significantly higher than other colorectal diseases. Men (P=0.001) and elderly individuals (P=0.039) were significantly more common in the FIT-positive group than the FIT-negative group. Approximately 28% of the subjects with FIT-positive tests did not receive a confirmatory examination. CONCLUSIONS: Although the FIT had a low rate of detection, the FIT was a useful screening tool for detection of CRC in the NCSP. It will be important to increase CRC screening rates and confirmatory examination rates.

Genetic and Epigenetic Marker-Based DNA Test of Stool Is a Promising Approach for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. However, it may be treated effectively by surgical removal of the cancerous tissue if detected at early stages. Conventional tools for screening CRC are either invasive or inaccurate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a reliable screening tools for CRC to significantly reduce its morbidity. In this regard, a novel DNA markers-based detection in stool is emerging as a promising approach.

Evaluation of the Ez step FOBTM for Fecal Occult Blood Test / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) have been recommended for gastro- intestinal bleeding and colon cancer screening. This study compared the effectiveness of two fecal blood screening kit, OC-Hemodia II and Ez step FOB for fecal occult blood. METHODS: The detection limit was evaluated by using OC-control and serially diluted samples. The comparison study between OC-hemodia II and Ez step FOB were evaluated in 143 cases. RESULTS: The concordance rate between OC-Hemodia II and Ez step FOB was 85.6% and 50% of non-concordance cases have history related to gatrointestinal bleeding. Ez step FOB was possible to detect 35 ng/mL in serially diluted OC-control. CONCLUSIONS: The result of Ez step FOB satisfactory to clinical application and showed good concordance rate compared to OC-Hemodia II.

SCREENING FOR COLORECTAL CANCER BY FIBEROPTIC SIGMOIDOSCOPY ANALYSIS OF 4219 CASES / 解放军医学杂志

4219 subjects were screened for colorectal cancer by fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy.5 subjects(0.12%)werc found to have cancers: 2 Dukes A, 2 Dukes B, and 1 Dukes C. One or more polyps in 160 subjects (3.79%) were detected, of which 86 were adenomas and 3 severe dysplasia. All the polyps were removed by means of endoscopic polypectomy.For selected screening in small population,fiberoptic sigmoi-doscopy is recommended. As for mass screening, it is advisable to run fecal occult blood test (FOBT) first. All persons with positive FOBT or negative FOBT but belonging to high-risk category should be advised to have fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy. Special diet is unnecessary prior to sigmoidoscopy. Glycerol enema is recomended for bowel preparation.