Flexible sigmoidoscopy is successful in long-term prevention of the development of colorectal cancer, according to a major UK study published today.
Researchers studied 170,000 patients who underwent the bowel scope for periods averaging 17 years for the study, reported in The Lancet.
They say that it prevented 40% of potential deaths from colorectal cancer and 35% of cases of cancer.
The technique screens the sigmoid colon – and the researchers say that screening prevented as many as half the cancers that might have developed in this region as well as two-thirds of deaths.
The screening test is due to be offered to all 55-year-olds in England – but implementation is unlikely for at least three years.
Researcher Professor Wendy Atkin, of Imperial College, London, said: “We know the bowel scope test has huge benefits for older people. Although no screening test is perfect, this study shows that bowel scope is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years."
Emma Greenwood, of Cancer Research, said: “In England the government has committed to rolling out this test but there is a shortage of trained staff to carry it out.
"A training scheme is under way but it’s important that there are enough newly trained specialists to meet the growing demand for these life-saving tests.”
Atkin et al. Long term effects of once-only flexible sigmoidoscopy screening after 17 years of follow-up: the UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial. Lancet 22 February 2017
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