[Evaluation of mass screening for colorectal cancer with 'sequential fecal occult blood test' in an asymptomatic population. Multicenter GI Research Group of Beijing Area of PLA].

In order to search for a reasonable screening method for colorectal cancer in accordance with the situations in China, we designed the sequential fecal occult blood test' (CFOBTS-->IFOBT-->colonoscopy) and compared with chemical fecal occult blood test (CFOBT) and immuno-fecal occult blood test (IFOBT). On the basis of our findings, SFOBT is not only sensitive, easy to perform but also economical as compared with CFOBT & IFOBT. By using the program of SFOBT, we carried out a mass screening of an asymptomatic population of 102,800 people, covering five provinces in northern China. The results are as follows: (1) The incidence of colorectal cancer in northern China was about 24.31/10(5); (2) 52% of colorectal cancer cases detected through the screening were classified as Dukes stages A or B, whereas only 36.83% are those clinically diagnosed (P < 0.05); (3) The incidence of colorectal cancer increased with age, the high-risk age group peak at 60-69 years; (4) 84% of cancer & 62.23% of adenomas were detected in sigmoid colon or rectum; (5) The incidence of colon tumour was significantly increased in subjects with family history of colon tumour as compared with those without; (6) Diet habits of different nationalities may not be related to the morbidity of colorectal cancer. In conclusion, mass screening for early detection of colorectal cancer following SFOBT program is suitable for the situations in China.