Influence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the outcome of faecal occult blood tests in screening for colorectal cancer. Issue 6586 (13th June 1987)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pye, G; Ballantyne, K C; Armitage, N C; Hardcastle, J D
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 294:Issue 6586(1987)
• Page Start: 1510
• Page End: 1511
• Publication Date: 1987-06-13
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.294.6586.1510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been accused of causing false positive results in faecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer. A study was therefore performed in 10, 931 people undergoing faecal occult blood screening tests to assess the effect of these drugs on the predictive value of a positive test result. Those with a positive result were interviewed and a full drug history was taken before they underwent a full colorectal examination. Of the 455 people with a positive result, 50 were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: 10 (20%) had colonic neoplasia. Of the 405 who were not taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 129 (32%) had colonic neoplasia. These detection rates were not significantly different, and the predictive value of a positive result for an adenoma larger than 1 cm was 14% in the group not taking anti-inflammatory drugs and 26% in the group taking them (not significant). These results suggest that a finding of occult faecal blood cannot be attributed to upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and should be followed by a thorough colorectal examination.