Study Reveals Value of Colonoscopy Significant in Reducing Mortality

Colonoscopies Greatly Reduce Death Rate

VA study demonstrates that colonoscopies absolutely prevent death from colorectal cancer. The study is so compelling that no one should refuse this life-saving screening.

A new study by the Veterans Affairs Health Care System validates that colonoscopies significantly reduce mortality. The study focused on 25,000 patients who had been to any VA facility from the period of 1997 to 2010. Of the sample, 4,964 patients (above the age of 52) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2002-2008 and died by 2010. These case-patients were compared to 19,856 control patients who had no prior history of colorectal cancer.

Next, the VA reviewed exposure to colonoscopy at any time from 1997 to six months before a diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The results are stunning. VA patients who had a colonoscopy decreased their risk of death from colorectal cancer by 61 percent. Even more remarkable, the VA found that colonoscopy screenings in patients over 50 reduced the risk of death from left-sided colon cancer by 72 percent. Right-sided colon cancer is associated with poorer outcomes; even in those patients, death rates declined by 46 percent. The deceased patients who suffered from colorectal cancer had extremely low rates of ever having received a colonoscopy.

VA Study Confirms What Health Officials Have Believed

This large retrospective comparison of colorectal screening via colonoscopies confirms what numerous public health officials have believed and urged for years. Dr. Charles Kahi, who is chief of the gastroenterology department at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN conducted the study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for people, aged 50 and 75 to get tested for colorectal cancer.

There are several screening methods, including stool samples, the flexible sigmoidoscopy which is limited to the lower colon, a “virtual colonoscopy” that consists of x-rays of the entire colon, and the relatively Cologuard test that detects DNA changes in a patient’s stool sample. The VA study confirms the value of the full colon exam (the colonoscopy) where a lighted tube is inserted into the colon and any polyps found are removed during the procedure while the patient is sedated.

Retrospective Study of 25,000 Reveals Significant Facts

In addition to confirmation of the belief that colonoscopies significantly reduce deaths from colorectal cancer, the study reveals other key points.

• The study affirms again that death rates are higher for right-sided colon cancer. This is most likely due to the difficulty experienced during some colonoscopy procedures of reaching the farthest part of the colon known as the cecum, which connects the small intestine to the large intestine (colon).
• The study confirms that the care provided by the VA is equivalent to other healthcare facilities, despite current concerns about the quality of care.
• The VA should continue its practice of routinely screening its patients over 50 with colonoscopies if they are at average risk for colorectal cancer.

Bottom Line

This VA study demonstrates that colonoscopies absolutely prevent death from colorectal cancer. The study is so compelling that no one should refuse this life-saving screening. Newer prep techniques lessen the length of time and discomfort of prep for a colonoscopy.

Be sure to also check out our article on Why and When to Get a Colonoscopy

Resources:

• Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Mortality in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System: A Case–Control Study
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: