The prevention of invasive cancer of the rectum

Cancer. 1978 Mar;41(3):1137-9. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(197803)41:3<1137::aid-cncr2820410350>3.0.co;2-g.

Abstract

The results of the 25+ year Cancer Detection Center study, including 20,000 participants and 100,000+ patient-years experience, demonstrate the obviation of appearance of most lower bowel cancers associated with a program of proctosigmoidoscopy and adenomatous polyp removal. Once on a schedule of periodic examinations, study participants developed only a fraction of the anticipated number of rectal cancers; most of the cancers which did develop were detected while at an early stage and with involvement of only the mucosa. Not a single death from lower bowel cancer has occurred among active study participants or for 7+ years following the most recent examination at the Center.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Precancerous Conditions / diagnosis*
  • Precancerous Conditions / surgery
  • Rectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Rectal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Rectal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Sigmoidoscopy