Results of a mass screening program for colorectal cancer
M. P. Miller and T. V. Stanley
Department of Surgery, Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, TN 38104-3499.
Following a series of educational newscasts about colorectal cancer that
were aired on a local television news program, stool guaiac slide kits were
distributed on request to 72,000 persons in Memphis. One or more slides
were positive In 1310 (6%) of the 23,000 kits returned. Of the 1310
individuals with positive cultures, 597 (45%) saw a physician for further
evaluation. Sixty-five of these persons received inadequate evaluations. Of
the 532 individuals (90%) who received adequate evaluations, 154 (26%) had
no evidence of pathology that would account for occult blood. Of the
remaining 443 persons, 26 were found to have colorectal cancer, and 20 of
these 26 persons were found to have surgically amenable lesions (Dukes'
stages A through B2). In addition, 67 potentially precancerous polyps were
found. Mass screening for colorectal cancer using guaiac slide tests,
coupled with patient compliance for a screening protocol and adequate
follow-up evaluation, has the potential to identify and treat early
colorectal cancer.