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UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial

This trial looked at bowel cancer incidence and mortality reduction 11 years after a single screening examination.

It examined the efficacy and duration of effect of;

  • a once only flexible sigmoidoscopy screen between ages 55 and 64 years
  • removal of small polyps (<10mm) during screening
  • colonoscopy only for high risk adenomas

170,000 people were entered into the trial.

Cumulative incidence, including prevalent cancers detected at screening, was reduced by 50 per cent for cancers in the rectal and sigmoid colon, and by 33 per cent for bowel cancer overall.

Bowel cancer mortality was reduced by 43 per cent.

The trial concluded that flexible sigmoidoscopy screening-with removal of small polyps at examination is safe and, when offered only once between the ages of 55 and 64, confers a substantial and longlasting benefit.

For further details see UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial slides (PDF 553Kb).

More information about flexible sigmoidoscopy and the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.