Study: Sigmoidoscopy Every 10 Years May Be Sufficient

A new study by Seattle researchers suggests that you may only need a sigmoidoscopy as a screening test for colon cancer once every 10 years instead of the currently recommended five-year screening interval.

The researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center examined the screening history of 1,668 patients between ages 20 and 75 living in Washington state, and compared their rate of colorectal cancer to 1,294 healthy individuals in the same age range.

They found that individuals who had a sigmoidoscopy — which uses a long tube to explore the lower colon for pre-cancerous growth -- were four times less likely to get distal colorectal cancer than those who never had the test.

"These reductions were sustained for up to 16 years with little attenuation," they reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The American Cancer Society recommends sigmoidoscopy screening every five years beginning at age 50, and more frequently for those with a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

"Everyone should be screened. But our study calls into question the current guideline," said Dr. Polly Newcomb of Fred Hutchinson. "We think it's appropriate for patients to talk with their physicians about what the appropriate interval is."

Other Sources: Journal of the National Cancer Institute