Objective: Individuals with two first degree relatives, or one diagnosed at age < 45 years, with colorectal cancer are at sufficient risk to merit surveillance. Most undergo colonoscopy four to five yearly, starting 10 years before the youngest case. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a proposed new surveillance protocol.
Subjects and methods: We identified individuals with these risk criteria seen in our clinic from 1989 to 2001 and reviewed their notes with respect to colonoscopy.
Results: Colonoscopy (n = 295) was performed on 186 patients in accordance with current recommendations. Cancer was detected in three and adenoma in 21 individuals. Applying the proposed protocol, 123 (42%) fewer colonoscopies would have been performed. No cancers would have been missed, but in five cases a small adenoma would not have been detected.
Conclusions: Proposed new guidelines for surveillance of those at intermediate risk reduce the burden of colonoscopy without compromising identification of significant neoplasia.