Low Prevalence of Screen-Detected Colorectal Cancer in an Average-Risk Population: The New Normal

Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Nov;20(11):2650-2652.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.09.013. Epub 2021 Sep 20.

Abstract

Prior studies have reported the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in average-risk screening population ages 50-75 to be 0.7%-1.0%.1,2 However, no estimates from studies enrolling individuals undergoing screening colonoscopy have been reported. The experience of ongoing studies enrolling average-risk individuals is that the prevalence rates are substantially lower. A 2020 study from a community-based cohort undergoing CRC screening with fecal immunochemical testing followed by diagnostic colonoscopy reported a CRC prevalence rate of 1.46 per 1000, or 0.15%.3 The aim of our study is to report the screen-detected prevalence of CRC and advanced neoplasia in average-risk asymptomatic individuals from selected academic and community medical centers in the United States, Canada, and Germany and describe associated risk factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colonoscopy*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Occult Blood
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • United States