Results of screening for colorectal carcinoma in the District of Bruntál using the Haemoccult Test in 1985-1988.

In 1985-1988, 11,046 working people of the district of Bruntál, aged 45-69, were examined for occult bleeding into the stools, using the Haemoccult test. The return rate of the tests was 92.05%. Screening detected 241 patients (2.18%) with positive stools test results who were referred to further examination. 129 patients (1.17%) were found to have one or more adenomatous polyps or adenocarcinoma in the large intestine. Adenocarcinoma was detected in 15 cases (0.13%): eight in stage Dukes A, two in stage Dukes B, three in Dukes C, and two in Dukes D stages. Endoscopic polypectomy or surgical operation were used for treatment. The programme of screening for colorectal carcinoma as elaborated for the low-risk group of asymptomatic subjects over 45 years of age helps to detect less advanced stages of this oncological affection.