Periodiek colonoscopisch onderzoek bij personen met een belaste familieanamnese voor colorectaal carcinoom

- Individuals with one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 45 years and those with two first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer run a significantly increased risk (relative risk: 4-6) of developing colorectal cancer.

- Based on calculation of the mortality due to colorectal cancer for the age group 50-70 years (which is higher than the mortality due to breast cancer) surveillance may be justified, e.g. by colonoscopy at 5-year intervals from the age of 45-50.

- The total number of people in the Netherlands in this high risk group is estimated at 10,000.

- The authors conclude that prospective studies are needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of such a programme.