Proctosigmoidoscopy and polypectomy in reducing the incidence of rectal cancer

A 25‐year study of the results of periodic proctosigmoidoscopy has been done at the University of Minnesota Cancer Detection Center. Participants in the program demonstrated a marked reduction in the incidence of lower bowel cancers: 85% of the statistically anticipated adenocarcinomas did not develop, and each of those that did appear was found while yet early and sharply localized to the bowel wall. The suggestion is made that periodic proctosigmoidoscopy of the high‐risk group of patients could very nearly eliminate lower bowel cancer as a cause of death at a cost no greater than that required in the treatment of patients as currently seen with this disease.