[Screening practices and familial antecedents of colorectal cancer. Survey with a voluntary population]

Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the association between colorectal cancer positive family history and screening practices.

Methods: The study concerned 6733 individuals attending a center for periodic health examination.

Results: Five hundred fifty four patients (8.2%) declared a positive family history of colorectal cancer; 269 (4%) were first degree relatives of the affected member and among them, 73 (1.1%) have pointed out the occurrence of at least one cancer case below age 50. Out of 554 subjects with a family history (regardless the degree of kinship), 132 (23.8%) have had an endoscopic examination versus 8.9% of subjects without positive family history. The rate of endoscopy increased with the number of cases in a family (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Family members undertake more endoscopic examinations when a family history of colorectal is reported. A correlation with the number of affected relatives has been found.