However,
Study questions its general preventive:
Long considered the reference tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. In addition, colonoscopy may not hold all its promises. This is revealed by a major clinical study entitled Nordicc (Nordic-European Initiative on Colorectal Cancer). In addition, initially published in 2022 but still at the heart of scientific debates in 2025.
Each year, millions of colonoscopies are made in Europe, especially in adults aged 50 to 75. Therefore, The widespread idea is that this procedure not only makes it possible to detect existing cancer. Similarly, but also to prevent its appearance by eliminating polyps before they degenerate. Furthermore, But the results of this European study invite to reconsider this belief.
A very low reduction in mortality according to Nordicc data – Study questions its general preventive
Led in Poland. Consequently, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands in more than 84,000 participants, the Nordicc study compared two groups: one invited to study questions its general preventive carry out a colonoscopy, the other subject to usual medical care. In addition, After ten years of follow -up, the results show a mortality linked to colorectal cancer of 0.28 % in the colonoscopy group, against 0.31 % in the control group – a difference deemed very low. Meanwhile, The mortality of all causes was almost identical in the two groups (11.03 % against 11.04 %).
These results caused a shock wave in the medical world. For some experts, they suggest that colonoscopy would not save as many lives as expected. For others. the weakness of the participation (only 42 % of invited patients have effectively passed the exam) limits the scope of the conclusions.
Although colonoscopy remains the most complete method to explore the colon, its risks are not negligible. There are about 14.6 cases of major hemorrhage and 3.1 perforations for 10,000 procedures, not to mention the complications study questions its general preventive related to sedation. Alternatives such as sigmoidoscopy (less invasive). fecal immunochemical tests are often better tolerated, less expensive and just as reliable in certain cases.
Other criticisms point to the practitioner’s influence: the detection rate of polyps varies strongly according to the experience of. the endoscopist. Thus, a trained professional identifies more precancerous lesions, which reduces the risks of tumor development.
A prevention to personalize according to the profiles
Coloscopy screening is not to be ruled out. It remains particularly relevant in high -risk patients: family history of colorectal cancer. polyps already detected, chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine. But for the general population, the profits are no longer as obvious. Especially since the risks (bleeding, perforations, anxiety) are not negligible.
Some American medical companies have also lowered the recommended age of screening to 45. faced with the worrying rise in early cancers, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and junk study questions its general preventive food. But this rejuvenation of screening also fears an explosion of overdiagnostics. unnecessary examinations, and therefore an overload of the care system.
Should we continue to consider colonoscopy as a must after 50 years? Not necessarily. The Nordicc study. while being criticized, has the merit of relaunching an essential debate: that of the relevance of mass medical acts. Colorectal cancer screening must now rely on a personalized approach, taking into account the profile of each patient. And not on a systematic generalization policy.
However. the best strategy remains that which combines common sense, individualized medical support and active prevention: lifestyle, healthy food, physical exercise, and vigilance on family history.
Photo credit: DR
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