Clinical Behavior of Geriatricians Regarding Periodic Screening for Gastro-intestinal Cancers in Older Adults.
- Author:
Hwan Sik HWANG
1
;
Chang Won WON
;
Dong Ho LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Colorectal cancer;
Stomach cancer;
Prevention;
Geriatrics
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Colonoscopy;
Colorectal Neoplasms;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Early Detection of Cancer;
Geriatrics;
Humans;
Mass Screening;
Obstetrics;
Occult Blood;
Stomach Neoplasms
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
2008;12(1):35-41
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: A questionnaire for geriatricians regarding their clinical practice of periodic gastro-intestinal cancer screening was developed. METHODS: The survey was administered to geriatricians participating in the 2007 Korean Geriatrics Society meeting at Busan, Korea. RESULTS: 162 completed the questionnaire. Average age of respondents was 46 years. Background specialty included family medicine(24%), internal medicine(22%), obstetrics and gynecology(9%), and general surgery(8%). 90% of geriatricians recommend screening for colorectal cancer in their practice. They recommend a colonoscopy if fecal occult blood test is positive(53%) or colonoscopy(31%). On average, they recommend screening for colorectal cancer every 2.5 years. Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended to those 75-79 years(33 %), 70-74 years(24%), and 65-69 years(24%). 94% of respondents recommend screening for stomach cancer in their practice. They recommend gastrofiberoscopy(95%) or upper GI series(5%). On average, screening is recommended every 1.5 years. Screening is recommended to those aged 75-79 years(34%), 70-74 years(19%), and 65-69 years(22%). CONCLUSION: Most geriatricians prefer endoscopic examinations for screening for GI cancer. They recommend, on average, screening for colorectal cancer and stomach cancer every 2.5 and 1.5 years, respectively. Most geriatricians recommend GI cancer screening to those aged 75-79 years.
