Abstract
Background: In 2002, colonoscopy was introduced as a tool for colorectal cancer screening in Germany. The long-term objective was to reduce the incidence in colorectal cancer (CRC) by detection and removal of advanced adenomas. Currently, the effect of colonoscopy screening on the population-based incidence of CRC in Germany is unknown. Methods: We provide data on stage-specific (age-standardized) incidence rates in three federal states in Germany, 6 years after the implementation of colonoscopy. Results: Between 2002 and 2008 a statistically significant decrease in CRC incidence could be observed (annually 3.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.8; -2.2). The decline could be observed in all advanced tumor categories (T2, T3, and T4), whereas the incidence of in situ carcinomas (Tis) increased annually by 51.6% (95% CI: 28.0; 79.4) until 2004, and remained stable until 2008. Conclusion: The observed changes cannot be attributed definitively to the screening activities, but the presented data support a possible causal association.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Cancer Epidemiology |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Pages (from-to) | 417-420 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISSN | 1877-7821 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01.10.2012 |
Research Areas and Centers
- Research Area: Center for Population Medicine and Public Health (ZBV)
DFG Research Classification Scheme
- 205-02 Public Health, Health Services Research and Social Medicine
- 205-14 Haematology, Oncology
- 205-25 General and Visceral Surgery
