Could the Screening Interval After Negative Colonoscopy Be Extended Beyond 10 Years?

Because randomized comparisons of intervals for screening colonoscopy are not feasible, recommendations are informed by observational data. Growing evidence suggests that the guideline-recommended 10-year interval after negative colonoscopy could be extended, with minimal effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes. Two new retrospective studies provide additional information.

Swedish researchers used nationwide data to identify 110,000 people (age range, 45–69) with no family history of CRC who had negative findings on a first colonoscopy between 1990 and 2016. A complex analysis, which included comparisons with 2 million controls who did not undergo colonoscopy, suggested that a screening interval of 15 years after negative colonoscopy woul…