MEDICAL PROGRESS - GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY .2.

Fibersigmoidoscopy Although many indications for fibersigmoidoscopy are listed in Table 2, the majority of procedures are surveys for cancer in asymptomatic persons. Although the American Cancer Society123 and the National Cancer Institute124 endorse the performance of screening fibersigmoidoscopy for everyone over 40 at three-to-five-year intervals, not all authorities are convinced that the procedure is cost effective.125,126 All studies have found a substantial number of polyps and cancers, but no controlled trials have shown a decrease in mortality with the recommended screening.126 A recent survey of physicians by the American Cancer Society127 found that the proportion who routinely recommend survey examinations has. © 1991, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.