Colorectal Cancer: A (Mostly) Successful Case Study

Of the 4 cancer screening modalities evaluated in the National Cancer Institute's PLCO trial (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, Ovarian cancers), only the use of flexible sigmoidoscopy to detect colon cancer showed a reduction in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, compared to the study arm. I will review the study design, statistical analysis of the data, and results from the trial, and discuss implications for policy.