The research was conducted by Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Mich. The researchers, led by Therese G. Kerwel, MD, research fellow at Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Spectrum Health, found that elderly patients who had not previously received a colonoscopy had a cancer rate of 9.4 percent, which is much higher than those who previously received the procedure.
The patients with identified colorectal cancer underwent curative surgery.
“It is worthwhile to offer a screening colonoscopy for elderly patients in good health and functional status who have never previously undergone the test,” Dr Kerwel said, in the article. She further advised that rather than stopping the screening for elderly patients, providers should instead consider reducing the number of surveillance exams for this population.
Related Articles on Colonoscopy:
Study: Web-Based Video Improves Patient Compliance With Colonoscopy Appointments
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Gastroenterologist Dr. Shaily Jain Writes Column on Importance of Colonoscopies for Women
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