Colonoscopy vs. stool test: which screens better for colon cancer?
NCT ID NCT00102011
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 3 trial compared colonoscopy with annual fecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer screening in nearly 5,000 healthy adults aged 50-69. The goal was to see which method finds more early tumors and has a better balance of benefits and harms. Participants were randomly assigned to one screening approach and followed for up to 4 years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
screening colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that colonoscopy is more effective than stool tests for preventing colorectal cancer through early detection.
What could go wrong
This trial is completed and results are already known; it may not change current guidelines if no major benefit is found. Screening procedures also carry risks like bleeding or perforation.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at Louisiana State University Health Sciences
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71130-3932, United States
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Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (Data collection only)
Seattle, Washington, 98101-1466, United States
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Masonic Cancer Center at University of Minnesota (Data collection only)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States