Determination of the beginning age for colonoscopic screening among colonoscopy-naïve individuals

Summary Objective This study purported to analyze the results of colonoscopy for different age groups and to identify the optimal beginning age for colonoscopic screening. Methods A total of 3102 cases of asymptomatic, average-risk, colonoscopy-naïve individuals who underwent colonoscopy at the Health Promotion Center at the Kyungpook National University Hospital during the period from January 2005 to December 2010 and colonoscopy results were analyzed. Results The prevalence of any colorectal neoplasia in 30s, 40s, 50s and over 60 group was 14.9%, 28.9%, 43.1% and 45.1% respectively. Compared with the 30s age group, the adjusted odd ratios (aOR) for any colorectal neoplasia in 40s, 50s and over 60 group was 2.38, 4.73 and 5.42 respectively ( P < 0.001), and the aOR for advanced neoplasia in 40s, 50s and over 60 group was 4.34, 9.68 and 14.71 respectively ( P < 0.001). Based on the results of the ROC curve analysis, the optimal beginning age for CRC screening was found to be below age 46 for any neoplasia and below age 47 for advanced neoplasia. Conclusion The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms significantly increased from age 40s in asymptomatic, average-risk, colonoscopy-naïve individuals and the beginning age for colonoscopic screening was approximately age 46.