Colonoscopy Screening in First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Large Adenomas

First-degree relatives of patients with adenomas currently are advised to undergo routine colonoscopic screening earlier or more often than average-risk individuals (Gastroenterology 2003; 124:544). To better quantify the risk for colorectal cancer or adenomas in these relatives, researchers performed a case-control study in the endoscopic units of 18 community hospitals in France.

From September 1995 to March 2000, 306 consecutive patients with large adenomas (≥10 mm) were enrolled as index cases. These individuals then were then asked to provide their first-degree relatives (age range, 40–75) with information about the study, including an invitation to undergo colonoscopy. Of 674 eligible relatives, 168 underwent colonoscopy and were match…