Colorectal cancer is the second-most deadly cancer worldwide, causing over 1 million deaths per year. Colonoscopy is the primary method for fighting against it in the US, but it is expensive, invasive, and unpleasant, with potential serious side effects. A recent randomized controlled trial called the Nordic-European Initiative on Colorectal Cancer (NordICC) aimed to measure how effective colonoscopies are in reducing cancer and death. The results were surprising—the trial showed an 18% reduction in colorectal cancer incidence but only a 10% reduction in colorectal cancer mortality. The trial sparked controversy among American gastroenterologists, with some questioning its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The debate surrounding the trial highlights the complexities of evaluating the true benefits of colonoscopies.
https://asteriskmag.com/issues/04/you-re-invited-to-a-colonoscopy?ref=thebrowser.com