Non-neoplastic findings at colonoscopy after positive faecal occult blood testing: Data from the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Background The aim of the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) is to diagnose early colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas. However, other findings are also reported at screening colonoscopy. Small studies demonstrate findings other than cancer or adenomas (non-neoplastic findings (NNF)) in 11–25%. Objectives and setting Describe the frequency and nature of NNF within the BSCP. Methods Data were obtained from the BCSP national database for all individuals undergoing colonoscopic investigation after positive faecal occult blood testing between August 2006 and November 2011. Data included demographics, smoking status, neoplastic findings and NNF. Results 121728 colonoscopies were analysed. ≥1 NNF were found in 26251 cases (21.6%). Diverticular disease (18875 cases) and haemorrhoids (7011) were the most frequently reported. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was reported in 2152 cases. Individuals with a neoplastic diagnosis were less likely to have an NNF than those without (19.8% v 24.4%, p