[Efficacy of esophageal cancer screening in high risk population: results of 105 561 subjects in Sichuan province]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer in high risk population from high risk areas in order to provide scientific basis for evaluation of the results of early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Methods: Ten high incidence cities and counties of esophageal cancer in Sichuan province were included in this study. Subjects aged 40-69 years were selected to participate in the endoscopic screening based on the cluster sampling, and the screening-positive subjects were further confirmed by pathological examination. Results: A total of 105 561 subjects were screened during 2006-2014 in 10 cities and counties in Sichuan Province. The detection rate of precancerous lesions was 5.53% (5 841/105 561), and the positive detection rate was 1.13% (1 193/105 561). The overall detection rates of low-grade hyperplasia, moderate hyperplasia, high-grade hyperplasia/carcinoma in situ, early esophageal cancer and invasive carcinoma were 3.87% (4 089/105 561), 1.66% (1 752/105 561), 0.77% (816/105 561), 0.08% (84/105 561) and 0.28% (293/105 561), respectively. The detection rates of all lesions in males were significantly higher than those in females (P<0.05), and were gradually increased with age (P<0.05). Conclusions: At these ten cities and counties in Sichuan Province with high incidence of esophageal cancer, the endoscopic screening has good effect. There are considerable numbers of patients aged 40-69 with precancerous lesions from the high risk areas. Improving the follow-up work of the population with precancerous lesions will achieve better results of early diagnosis and early treatment.

Keywords: Early diagnosis; Early treatment.; Esophageal neoplasms; Mass screening; Natural orifice endoscopic surgery.