Emerging role for colorectal cancer screening in Asian countries. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality globally. Though Asia has traditionally been considered a relatively low incidence area for colorectal cancer, the incidence is reportedly increasing. The Asia Pacific Working Group for Colorectal Cancer has recommended screening of individuals at average risk starting from 50 years of age. Based on these recommendations we conducted a pilot study to assess the need and feasibility of a colorectal cancer screening program in the state of Qatar. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened 1385 individuals by fecal immunochemical testing for occult blood, at the primary health center level and positive cases were referred for colonoscopy. Among those who tested positive for fecal occult blood, we picked up five patients with cancers and seven with neoplastic polyps. CONCLUSION: Our results compare with the yield of screening programs in western countries thus suggesting an emerging role for colorectal cancer screening in Asian countries.

publication date

  • January 1, 2014

Research

keywords

  • Asian People
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Mass Screening

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84908229470

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.7869/tg.159

PubMed ID

  • 25276902

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 35

issue

  • 1