FRIDAY, May 21, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- For individuals older than 75 years who do not have cardiovascular disease or significant comorbidities, screening endoscopy is associated with a lower risk for colorectal cancer (CRC)-related mortality, according to a study published online May 20 in JAMA Oncology.
Wenjie Ma, Sc.D., from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and colleagues examined the correlation of lower gastrointestinal tract screening endoscopy with the risk for CRC incidence and related mortality in older adults in a prospective cohort study. Data were included for 56,374 participants who reached 75 years of age during follow-up.
The researchers identified 661 incident CRC cases and 323 CRC-related deaths. Regardless of screening history, screening endoscopy after 75 years of age was associated with a reduced risk for CRC incidence and CRC-related mortality (multivariable hazard ratios, 0.61 and 0.60, respectively). Comparing screening with nonscreening after 75 years of age yielded hazard ratios of 0.67 and 0.58, respectively, for CRC incidence and CRC-related mortality among those who underwent screening endoscopy before 75 years of age and 0.51 and 0.63, respectively, among those without screening history. There was no association noted for screening endoscopy after 75 years of age with a risk reduction in CRC death among those with cardiovascular disease or significant comorbidities.
"Our findings provide evidence for patients, physicians, and policy makers to make informed decisions about CRC screening in an older population," the authors write.
Two authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
