First report of screening an asymptomatic population for cancer: the yield of an integrated cancer prevention center.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The most effective way to combat cancer is by prevention and early detection. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of screening an asymptomatic population for the presence of benign and neoplastic lesions. METHODS: Routine screening tests for prevention and/or early detection of 11 common cancers were conducted in 300 consecutive asymptomatic apparently healthy adults aged 25-77 years. Other tests were performed as indicated. RESULTS: Malignant and benign lesions were found in 3.3% and 5% of the screenees, respectively, compared to 1.7% in the general population. The most common lesions were in the gastrointestinal tract followed by skin, urogenital tract and breast. Advanced age and a family history of a malignancy were associated with increased risk for cancer with an odds ratio of 9 and 3.5, respectively (95% confidence interval 1.1-71 and 0.9-13, respectively). Moreover, high serum C-reactive protein levels and polymorphisms in the APC and CD24 genes indicated high cancer risk. When two of the polymorphisms existed in an individual, the risk for a malignant lesion was extremely high (23.1%; OR 14, 95% CI 2.5-78). CONCLUSIONS: Screening asymptomatic subjects identifies a significant number of neoplastic lesions at an early stage. Incorporating data on genetic polymorphisms in the APC and CD24 genes can further identify individuals who are at increased risk for cancer. Cancer can be prevented and/or diagnosed at an early stage using the screening facilities of a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic.

One stop screening for multiple cancers: the experience of an integrated cancer prevention center.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Screening is a key strategy for reducing cancer morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We aimed to describe the experience of an integrated cancer prevention center in screening an asymptomatic population for the presence of neoplasia. One-thousand consecutive asymptomatic, apparently healthy adults, aged 20-80 years, were screened for early detection of 11 common cancers that account for 70-80% of cancer mortality. RESULTS: Malignant and benign lesions were found in 2.4% and 7.1% of the screenees, respectively. The most common malignant lesions were in the gastrointestinal tract and breast followed by gynecological and skin. The compliance rate for the different screening procedures was considerably higher than the actual screening rate in the general Israeli population - 78% compared to 60% for mammography (p<0.001) and 39% compared to 16% for colonoscopy (p<0.001). Advanced age, family history of cancer and certain lifestyle parameters were associated with increased risk. Moreover, polymorphisms in the APC and CD24 genes indicated high cancer risk. When two of the polymorphisms existed in an individual, the risk for a neoplastic lesion was extremely high (OR 2.3 [95% CI 0.94-5.9]). CONCLUSIONS: One stop shop screening for 11 common cancers in the setting of a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic is feasible and can detect cancer at an early stage.