Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study: randomised trial of screening for fecal occult blood
N = 46,551
- Population
- Participants aged 50 to 80 years (Minnesota, United States).
- Design
- Randomised trial; 46,551 participants aged 50 to 80 were randomly assigned to screening once a year, screening every two years, or a control group. Screening used six guaiac-impregnated paper slides (two smears from each of three consecutive stools), about 83 percent of which were rehydrated; positive tests led to a diagnostic evaluation that included colonoscopy. Vital status was ascertained over 13 years in the 1993 report; the 2013 report extended follow-up to 30 years through the National Death Index.
- Primary endpoint
- Colorectal cancer mortality
- Arms
- Annual screening (experimental): Guaiac faecal occult-blood test once a year (about 83 percent of slides rehydrated)
- Biennial screening (experimental): Guaiac faecal occult-blood test every two years (about 83 percent of slides rehydrated)
- Control (control): No screening offered (usual care)
- People
- Mandel JS