Patients with intestinal polyps are less likely to die from cancer

Patients with intestinal polyps are less likely to die from cancer -

Patients with intestinal polyps have a lower risk of dying from cancer that 'previously thought, according to Norwegian researchers.

This group of patients may therefore need supervision colonoscopy less frequent than what is common today. As a potential concequence, the researchers argue, resources of health services can be diverted to other patient groups.

The results were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).

The world's largest
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the Norwegian study is the world's largest of its kind , and involved the monitoring of patients over a longer time than has been done period.

researchers estimated the risk of colorectal mortality among more than 40,000 Norwegian patients who underwent removal of polyps. They were then followed for up to 19 years. All deaths were recorded.

No increased risk
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"The results indicate that patients who had colorectal polyps removed, not have a higher risk of death from colorectal cancer than the general population in Norway, "says co-author Dr. Mette Kalager.

a public health problem
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is the colorectal cancer one of the most common cancers in Norway and is a major public health problem. More than 3,0 new cases are registered in the country every year, and the incidence has increased rapidly in recent decades.

According to national guidelines in Norway, patients who previously have removed polyps are recommended screening by colonoscopy. This is recommended because of the assumption that these patients have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The number of patients waiting in line for this kind of testing is growing rapidly, however, later put pressure on hospital resources.

Say Dr. Magnus Løberg, author and principal member research team

"Patients with polyps patients may not need such surveillance colonoscopy Frequently we have today the resources could instead be used in symptomatic patients. ".

research team members are affiliated with Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo.