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Screening for colorectal cancer: what is the most cost‐effective approach?
Author(s) -
Bolin Terry D,
Lapsley Helen M,
Korman Melvyn G
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2001.tb143276.x
Subject(s) - sigmoidoscopy , colorectal cancer , colonoscopy , medicine , colorectal cancer screening , occult , cancer , oncology , general surgery , intensive care medicine , family medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
In Western countries, including Australia, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in non‐smokers. Development of most colorectal cancers can be prevented by adenoma removal. The current screening strategies of faecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy combined with FOBT and colonoscopy are all cost effective. In clinical practice, a range of options should be offered to allow for individual patients' preferences. A public education program is essential to the success of any screening strategy.