Population based randomised study of uptake and yield of screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy compared with screening by faecal occult blood testing
- 18 July 1998
- Vol. 317 (7152) , 182-185
- https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.317.7152.182
Abstract
Objectives: To compare the feasibility of mass screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy with screening by faecal occult blood testing (Haemoccult) and both tests combined. Design: Patients were randomised to screening by flexible sigmoidoscopy, faecal blood testing, or both tests. The flexible sigmoidoscopy examinations were performed by a general practitioner. Setting: General practice. Subjects: 3744 patients aged 50-75 years. Main outcome measures: Uptake, positive results, detection of neoplasia, complications, and recall for diagnostic colonoscopy. Results: Uptake was significantly higher in the flexible sigmoidoscopy group (46.6%) than in the faecal blood test group (31.6%; PConclusions: Some of the predicted obstacles to screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy are surmountable. Clear evidence relating to efficacy will be obtained only from a randomised controlled trial.Keywords
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