A NEW study challenges the current recommendation of a 10-year rescreening interval following a negative colonoscopy result, suggesting that some individuals may benefit from longer periods between screenings. The study, which followed over 195,000 participants from three major U.S. cohorts, found that individuals with negative colonoscopy results experienced a significantly lower incidence and mortality rate from colorectal cancer (CRC) for up to 20 years.
The research, spanning from 1988 to 2020, aimed to assess the long-term risk of CRC based on colonoscopy screening results and demographic and lifestyle risk factors. The study found that participants with negative screening results had a 51% lower incidence of CRC and a 44% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those without screenings.
Interestingly, the study also identified that individuals with lower risk profiles, based on factors such as age, diet, and family history, did not see the same risk of CRC for up to 25 years. Specifically, people with a low or intermediate risk score did not reach the 10-year cumulative incidence of CRC seen in high-risk individuals until much later, reinforcing the idea that these patients may not need to rescreen as frequently.
These findings suggest that extending the time between colonoscopies, especially for those with a low-risk profile, could be a viable option. The study supports more personalised screening recommendations, allowing for shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers to optimise colon cancer prevention strategies.
Reference
Knudsen MD et al. Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality after negative colonoscopy screening results. JAMA Oncol. 2024;e245227 doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.5227.
