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Colonoscopy versus Stool-Based Testing for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Older Patients with a History of Colon Polyps, The COOP Trial

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial compares how well a colonoscopy works versus at-home stool-based testing (fecal immunochemical test [FIT]) in screening for and detecting colorectal cancer in patients age 70-82 who have a history of colon polyps. A polyp is a growth on the lining of the colon wall. Colorectal cancer usually starts in a polyp. Therefore, adults aged 45 or older who have had colorectal polyps are considered to be at higher risk for colorectal cancer. Because of this increased risk, these patients are referred for colonoscopies more often than patients who did not have polyps to look for additional polyps. These follow-up colonoscopies are called “surveillance colonoscopy”. However, patients who may benefit from this surveillance may not want to have a colonoscopy due to the risks, burdens and inconveniences of the procedure and preparation. FIT is a non-invasive, convenient, low cost, stool-based screening test for colorectal cancer. FIT looks for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. It has the advantage of being done at home without any risks, sedation or need for a change in diet and bowel preparation, but it cannot identify and remove polyps like colonoscopy. By comparing FIT to surveillance colonoscopy in this study, the researchers hope to learn more about patients’ preferences for surveillance and how well FIT works compared to colonoscopy for surveillance in people who’ve had polyps.