A New Risk-Scoring System for Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Screening by Turkish Colorectal Cancer and Polyp Study Group

Background:Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. An early diagnosis and detection of colon cancer and polyp can reduce mortality and morbidity from colorectal cancer. Even though there are a variety of options in screening tests, the question remains on which test is the most effective for the early detection of colorectal cancer. In this prospective study, we aimed to develop a simple, useful, effective, and reliable scoring system to detect colon polyp and colorectal cancer.Methods:We enrolled 6508 subjects over the age of 18 from 16 centers, with colonoscopy screening. The age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, polyp incidence, polyp size, number and localization, and pathologic findings were recorded.Results:The age, male gender, obesity, smoking, and family history were found as independent risk factors for adenomatous polyp. We have developed a new scoring system which can be used for these factors. With a score of 4 or above, we found the following: sensitivity 81%, specificity 40%, positive predictive value 25.68%, and negative predictive value 89.84%, for adenomatous polyp detection; and sensitivity 96%, specificity 39%, positive predictive value 3.35%, negative predictive value 99.29%, for colorectal cancer detection.Conclusion:Even though the first colorectal cancer screening worldwide is generally performed for individuals over 50 years of age, we recommend that screening for colorectal cancer might begin for those under 50 years of age as well. Individuals with a score ≥ 4 must be included in the screening tests for colorectal cancer.     

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin for the Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas and Cancer: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE A systematic review was conducted to determine the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention or regression of colorectal adenomas and cancer.METHODS Randomized, controlled trials through September 2003 were identified. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the interventions. The primary outcomes were the number of patients with at least one colorectal adenoma, a change in polyp burden, or colorectal cancer. The secondary outcome was adverse events. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Dichotomous outcomes were reported as relative risks with 95 percent confidence intervals. The data were combined if clinically and statistically reasonable.RESULTS Nine trials with 150 familial adenomatous polyposis and 24,143 population patients met the inclusion criteria. The interventions included sulindac, celecoxib, or aspirin. From the combined results of three trials, significantly fewer patients in the aspirin group developed recurrent sporadic colorectal adenomas (relative risk, 0.77 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.61, 0.96), number needed to treat 12.5 (95 percent confidence interval, 7.7, 25)) after one to three years. In another three trials, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs had a greater proportional reduction (range, 11.9–44 percent) in the number of colorectal adenomas compared with those in the control group (range, 4.5–10 percent). There was no significant difference for the outcomes of colorectal cancer or adverse events in any of the trials.CONCLUSIONS There is combined evidence from three randomized trials that aspirin significantly reduced the recurrence of sporadic adenomatous polyps. There was evidence from short-term trials to support regression, but not elimination or prevention, of colorectal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis.Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 21 to 26, 2003.T. K. Asano is a research fellow of the National Cancer Institute of Canada, with funds provided by the Canadian Cancer Society.     

Cancer Prevention and Screening for Older Adults: Part 1. Lung,Colorectal, Bladder,and Kidney Cancer

The incidence of most cancers increases with age. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in older adults after cardiovascular disease. Many common cancers in older adults can be prevented from occurring or can be identified at an early stage and treated effectively. The prevention and identification of cancer in its early stages, in an attempt to reduce discomfort and disability associated with advanced cancer and cancer treatment, is also a priority. Overscreening for cancer in older adults can lead to unnecessary diagnostic testing and unnecessary treatment. Both older adults and their healthcare providers need guidance on the appropriate use of cancer prevention and screening interventions. This first of a two-part review addresses special considerations regarding cancer prevention for adults aged 65 and older. Screening decisions and the impact of limited life expectancy and an older adult's ability to tolerate cancer treatment are also addressed. Guidance is provided regarding the prevention and early identification of lung, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer in older adults. The prevention of breast, prostate, and female urogenital cancers are addressed in Part 2. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2399–2406, 2020.     

A Culturally Tailored Navigator Program for Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Community Health Center: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background  Minority racial/ethnic groups have low colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Objective  To evaluate a culturally tailored intervention to increase CRC screening, primarily using colonoscopy, among low income and non-English speaking patients. Design  Randomized controlled trial conducted from January to October of 2007. Setting  Single, urban community health center serving a low-income, ethnically diverse population. Patients  A total of 1,223 patients 52-79 years of age overdue for CRC screening, randomized to intervention (n = 409) vs. usual care control (n = 814) groups. Intervention  Intervention patients received an introductory letter with educational material followed by phone or in-person contact by a language-concordant “navigator.” Navigators (n = 5) were community health workers trained to identify and address patient-reported barriers to CRC screening. Individually tailored interventions included patient education, procedure scheduling, translation and explanation of bowel preparation, and help with transportation and insurance coverage. Rates of colorectal cancer screening were assessed for intervention and usual care control patients. Results  Over a 9-month period, intervention patients were more likely to undergo CRC screening than control patients (27% vs. 12% for any CRC screening, p < 0.001; 21% vs. 10% for colonoscopy completion, p < 0.001). The higher screening rate resulted in the identification of 10.5 polyps per 100 patients in the intervention group vs. 6.8 in the control group (p = 0.04). Limitations  Patients were from one health center. Some patients may have obtained CRC screening outside our system. Conclusions  A culturally tailored, language-concordant navigator program designed to identify and overcome barriers to colorectal cancer screening can significantly improve colonoscopy rates for low income, ethnically and linguistically diverse patients. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00476970     

Population Screening for Colorectal Cancer Means Getting FIT: The Past,Present, and Future of Colorectal Cancer Screening Using the Fecal Immunochemical Test for Hemoglobin (FIT)

Fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin (FIT) are changing the manner in which colorectal cancer (CRC) is screened. Although these tests are being performed worldwide, why is this test different from its predecessors? What evidence supports its adoption? How can this evidence best be used? This review addresses these questions and provides an understanding of FIT theory and practices to expedite international efforts to implement the use of FIT in CRC screening.     

Physicians’ Decisions About Continuing or Stopping Colon Cancer Screening in the Elderly: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND  Experts suggest an individualized approach to colon cancer screening to take into account variation in older adults’ life expectancies and potential to benefit from screening. However, little is known about how physicians make decisions about colon cancer screening in adults age 75 and older. OBJECTIVE  To understand whether physicians employ individualized decision making for colon cancer screening in older adults, and, if so, to determine the individual factors they believed were important to consider in making such decisions. DESIGN  Qualitative research using focus groups and individual interviews PARTICIPANTS  Fifteen primary care physicians practicing in community settings participated in three focus groups and two interviews. APPROACH  We used two clinical vignettes of 78-year-old women in fair and poor health states to stimulate discussions about clinical decision making for CRC screening in older adults. RESULTS  Physicians considered a wide range of factors, including clinical factors, such as age, life expectancy, co-morbidities, and functional status, as well as individual factors, such as personality, previous screening behavior, family support, and the relationship with the patient. Physicians reported difficulty with these decisions because of their complexity and because they involve life expectancy estimates. Their approach and discussion with patients seemed to be dependent on the degree of certainty they perceived regarding their clinical assessment as to whether the patient had the potential to benefit from screening. CONCLUSIONS  Colorectal cancer screening decision making is complex. Physicians reported using a range of clinical and individual factors to decide about colorectal cancer screening in older adults.     

SPA免疫便潜血试验和直肠粘液T抗原试验互补普查大肠癌及其随访

本文联合采用人血红蛋白抗血清包被的含A蛋白葡萄球菌(SPA)进行免疫便潜血试验(SPA试验)和直肠粘液T抗原检测(T抗原试验)用于大肠癌普查初筛并对筛检人群进行随访。结果表明,在4843例无症状人群中,SPA和T抗原试验阳性者分别为472例(9.75％)和297例(6.13％).共769例阳性者行纤维结肠镜检查,检出大肠癌4例,腺瘤48例(>1.0cm者17例,占35.4％)。其中,SPA试验中仅3例癌,29例腺瘤阳性,T抗原试验中2例癌,27例腺瘤阳性,提示联合这两种初筛试验可提高大肠癌及其腺瘤的检出率。为验证普查后减少大肠肿瘤发生的效果,2年后对这些人群采用同样的普查方案随访,结果在受检的3641例人群中,共477例阳性者行纤维结肠镜检查,未发现大肠癌病例,腺瘤18例(>1.0cm者仅4例,占22.2％)。将两次检出的腺瘤进行不典型增生程度的比较,第二次检出的腺瘤轻度不典型增生病变占88.89％(16例),中重度不典型增生病变仅占11.11％(2例),而第一次检出腺瘤、中重度不典型增生病变占25％(12例)。上述结果表明利用这两种初筛试验进行互补性普查。可提高大肠癌及癌前病变的检出率,随访结果提示在无症状人群普查,不仅可使大肠癌及腺瘤的再检出率明显减少,且可使中重度不典型增生病变的发病机会明显减少。     

Extracolonic Findings at Virtual Colonoscopy: An Important Consideration in Asymptomatic Colorectal Cancer Screening

Background  Virtual colonoscopy has been evaluated for use as a colorectal cancer screening tool, and in prior studies, it has been estimated that the evaluation of extra-colonic findings adds $28-$34 per patient studied. Methods  As an ancillary study to a prospective cohort study comparing virtual colonoscopy to conventional colonoscopy for colorectal cancer detection, the investigators retrospectively determined the number and estimated costs of all clinic visits, imaging and laboratory studies, and medical procedures that were generated as a direct result of extra-colonic findings at virtual colonoscopy. Results  We enrolled 143 subjects who underwent CTC followed by conventional colonoscopy. Data were available for 136 subjects, and 134 (98%) had at least one extra-colonic finding on CT. Evaluation of extra-colonic findings was performed in 32 subjects (24%). These subjects underwent 73 imaging studies, 30 laboratory studies, 44 clinic visits, 6 medical procedures, and 44 new or return outpatient visits over a mean of 38 months following the CTC. The most common findings causing further evaluation were lung nodules and indeterminate kidney lesions. No extra-colonic malignancies were found in this study. A total of $33,690 was spent in evaluating extra-colonic findings, which is $248 per patient enrolled. Conclusions  The cost of the evaluation of extra-colonic findings following virtual colonoscopy may be much higher in actual practice than is suggested by prior studies. This will impact the cost-effectiveness of using virtual colonoscopy for asymptomatic colorectal cancer screening and underscores the importance of standardizing the reporting of extra-colonic findings to encourage appropriate follow-up. Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting, October 2006.     

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Practice: Innovative Strategies and Future Directions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been supported by strong research evidence and recommended in clinical practice guidelines for more than a decade. Yet screening rates in the United States remain low, especially relative to other preventable diseases such as breast and cervical cancer. To understand the reasons, the National Cancer Institute and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality sponsored a review of CRC screening implementation in primary care and a program of research funded by these organizations. The evidence base for improving CRC screening supports the value of a New Model of Primary Care Delivery: 1. a team approach, in which responsibility for screening tasks is shared among other members of the practice, would help address physicians’ lack of time for preventive care; 2. information systems can identify eligible patients and remind them when screening is due; 3. involving patients in decisions about their own care may enhance screening participation; 4. monitoring practice performance, supported by information systems, can help target patients at increased risk because of family history or social disadvantage; 5. reimbursement for services outside the traditional provider—patient encounter, such as telephone and e-mail contacts, may foster enhanced screening delivery; 6. training opportunities in communication, cultural competence, and use of information technologies would improve provider competence in core elements of screening programs. Improvement in CRC screening rates largely depends on the efforts of primary care practices to implement effective systems and procedures for screening delivery. Active engagement and support of practices are essential for the enormous potential of CRC screening to be realized.     

Cancer Prevention and Screening for Older Adults: Part 2. Interventions to Prevent and Screen for Breast,Prostate, Cervical,Ovarian, and Endometrial Cancer

The incidence of most cancers increase with age. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in older adults after cardiovascular disease. Many common cancers in older adults can be prevented from occurring or can be identified at an early stage and treated effectively. Although cancer is feared primarily because of premature mortality, for many older adults, preventing and identifying cancer in its early stages, in an attempt to reduce discomfort and disability associated with advanced cancer and cancer treatment, is also a priority. Overscreening for cancer in older adults can lead to unnecessary diagnostic testing and unnecessary treatment. Both older adults and their healthcare providers need guidance on the appropriate use of cancer prevention and screening interventions. This is the second part of a two-part clinical review on cancer prevention and screening for adults aged 65 and older. Guidance is provided regarding the prevention and early identification of breast, prostate, cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. The prevention of lung, colorectal, bladder, and kidney cancer is addressed in Part 1.     

Colonoscopic Screening Examination of Relatives of Patients with Colorectal Cancer:I. A Comparison with an Endoscopically Screened Normal Population

First-degree relatives (n = 206) of patients operated on for colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 181) were offered a colonoscopic screening examination; 169 relatives (82%) attended. The findings were compared with those in a normal population sample with no CRC in first-degree relatives (n = 308), aged 50-59 years, who had been screened by means of flexible sigmoidoscopy. Three carcinomas and 176 polyps were found in 56 of 95 male relatives (57%) and 34 of 74 female relatives (46%). The adenoma prevalence rate was 37 (39%) and 26 (35%) for male and female relatives, respectively. In the 50- to 59-year age group, the adenoma prevalence rates for both sexes collectively and for women separately were significantly higher among relatives than among the population without CRC relatives. Hyperplastic polyps were larger, whereas adenomas were similar in size among relatives compared with the normal population. Colonoscopy may be a suitable method of choice for screening first-degree relatives of patients with CRC.     

Incidence of Advanced Adenomas of the Rectosigmoid Colon Three Years and Five Years After Negative Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in 4010 Patients

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended for persons at average risk for colorectal cancer. A follow-up is advised in 3 to 5 years, although the outcomes are not well established. We designed a large, prospective study of an unselected population to measure the incidence of advanced adenomas at flexible sigmoidoscopy 3 and 5 years after an initial negative examination. Adenomas were considered advanced if they were villous, tubulovillous, high-grade dysplasia, adenocarcinoma, or > or = 10 mm in size. We evaluated 8121 patients referred for flexible sigmoidoscopy and 4010 met the inclusion criteria. Group 1 had flexible sigmoidoscopy between 3 and 4 years and Group 2 between 5 and 6 years after a negative examination. Group 1 included 1300 patients with an incidence rate for advanced adenomas of 0.9% (12/1300) and Group 2 included 2710 patients with an incidence rate for advanced adenomas of 1.1% (30/2710). When the two group were subdivided by the presence or absence of a family history of a first-degree relative with sporadic colorectal cancer, the incidence rates for advanced adenomas between the populations were not different. Our data indicate incidence rates of 0.9 and 1.1% for advanced adenomas at flexible sigmoidoscopy 3 and 5 years, respectively, after a negative flexible sigmoidoscopy, with no impact from a family history.     

Design,Organization and Management of a Controlled Population Screening Study for Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia: Attendance Rates in the NORCCAP Study (Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention)

Background: In the past three decades, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Norway has doubled, surpassing all other Nordic countries for both men and women to become the most frequently diagnosed cancer. A small-scale, randomized study on flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening in Telemark, Norway, has shown a reduction in accumulated CRC incidence after 13 years. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect on CRC mortality and morbidity by screen detection of CRC and removal of precursor lesions (polypectomy), and to test out the management and organization mimicking a countrywide screening service. A total of 13,823 men and women (1:1), age 55-64 years, were drawn randomly from the population registries in Oslo (urban) and the county of Telemark (mixed urban and rural) and invited to have a screening examination. The rest of the relevant age cohorts constituted the control groups. In the screening group, 535 individuals were excluded according to exclusion criteria, rendering 13,288 individuals eligible for screening examination. Methods: A once only screening model was used. In the screening group, individuals were randomized to have a once only FS or a combination of FS and faecal occult blood test (FOBT). Results: The overall attendance rate was 8,849 out of 13,288 (67%); 73% in Telemark and 60% in Oslo. Attendance for FS only was 68% and 65% for combined FS&FOBT. Conclusions: The present FS/FS&FOBT screening study obtained a high acceptance rate for both screening modalities. The attendance rate was stable throughout the trial, suggesting an acceptable model for management of future countrywide screening.     

Original research: Characteristics and attitudes of first round invitees in the Irish National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme

Background/objectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) screening is proven to reduce CRC-related mortality. Faecal immunochemical testing (FIT)-positive clients in the Irish National CRC Screening Programme underwent colonoscopy. Round 1 uptake was 40.2%. We sought to identify barriers to participation by assessing knowledge of CRC screening and examining attitudes towards FIT test and colonoscopy.MethodsQuestionnaires based on a modified Champion’s Health Belief Model were mailed to 3500 invitees: 1000 FIT-positive, 1000 FIT-negative and 1500 non-participants. 44% responded: 550 (46%) FIT-positive, 577 (48%) FIT-negative and 69 (6%) non-responders (NR).Results25% of respondents (n=286) did not perceive a personal risk of cancer, did not perceive CRC to be a serious disease and did not perceive benefits to screening. These opinions were more likely to be expressed by men (p=0.035). One-fifth (n=251) found screening stressful. Fear of cancer diagnosis and test results were associated with stress. FIT-positive clients, women and those with social medical insurance were more likely to experience stress.ConclusionsThe CRC screening process causes stress to one-fifth of participants. Greater use of media and involvement of healthcare professionals in disseminating information on the benefits of screening may lead to higher uptake in round 2.     

Impact of a Family History of Colorectal Cancer on the Prevalence of Advanced Adenomas of the Rectosigmoid Colon at Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in 3147 Asymptomatic Patients

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is advised as a screening test for colorectal cancer for persons with a family history of late-onset colorectal cancer. The expected outcome for this approach is not well established. We designed a large, prospective study of an unselected population to assess the impact of a family history of one first-degree relative with colorectal cancer on the prevalence of advanced adenomas at screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. We evaluated 8121 patients referred for flexible sigmoidoscopy between 1997 and 1999 and 3147 patients met the inclusion criteria. The 3147 patients were divided into 210 with a family history of colorectal cancer and 2937 without a family history and analyzed for differences in the prevalence of advanced adenomas. Of the 210 with a family history, 3 had an advanced adenoma of the rectosigmoid colon (1.4%) Of the 2937 without a family history, 52 had an advanced adenoma of the rectosigmoid colon (1.8%), including 2 cancers. These differences were not significant. In conclusion, a family history of colorectal cancer had no impact on the prevalence of advanced adenomas in asymptomatic patients at screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. The prevalence rates for advanced adenomas and carcinomas of the rectosigmoid colon were low.     

Early Initiation of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Individuals with Affected First-degree Relatives

Background Several guidelines recommend initiating colorectal cancer screening at age 40 for individuals with affected first-degree relatives, yet little evidence exists describing how often these individuals receive screening procedures. Objectives To determine the proportion of individuals in whom early initiation of colorectal cancer screening might be indicated and whether screening disparities exist. Design Population-based Supplemental Cancer Control Module to the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. Participants Respondents, 5,564, aged 40 to 49 years were included within the analysis. Measurements Patient self-report of sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or fecal occult blood test. Results Overall, 279 respondents (5.4%: 95% C.I., 4.7, 6.2) reported having a first-degree relative affected with colorectal cancer. For individuals with a positive family history, 67 whites (27.9%: 95% C.I., 21.1, 34.5) and 3 African American (9.3%: 95% C.I., 1.7, 37.9) had undergone an endoscopic procedure within the previous 10 years (P-value = .03). After adjusting for age, family history, gender, educational level, insurance status, and usual source of care, whites were more likely to be current with early initiation endoscopic screening recommendations than African Americans (OR = 1.38: 95% C.I., 1.01, 1.87). Having an affected first-degree relative with colorectal cancer appeared to have a stronger impact on endoscopic screening for whites (OR = 3.21: 95% C.I., 2.31, 4.46) than for African Americans (OR = 1.05: 95% C.I., 0.15, 7.21). Conclusions White participants with a family history are more likely to have endoscopic procedures beginning before age 50 than African Americans.     

Prospective Study of the Association of Serum Triglyceride and Glucose with Colorectal Cancer

To determine if serum triglyceride and glucose levels are associated with colorectal cancer, a prospective study among 7619 Japanese-American men was conducted. From 1968 to 1998, 376 colon and 124 rectal cancer incident cases were diagnosed. A strong positive association of alcohol intake and pack-years of cigarette smoking with colorectal cancer was observed. Body mass index and heart rate were also positively related to colon, but not to rectal cancer. In contrast, serum triglyceride did not predict the development of either colon or rectal cancer. There was a modest association of serum glucose in the highest quartile group with rectal cancer (relative risk = 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–2.26), but it was not statistically significant. This study did not find a strong positive association of serum triglyceride or glucose with colorectal cancer, but additional studies including other metabolic consequences associated with increased serum triglyceride and glucose may clarify the relationship.     

Laparoscopic Surgery in Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Analysis of Patient Survival and Outcomes

Purpose The role of laparoscopic resection in the management of rectal cancer is still controversial. We prospectively evaluated patient survival and outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal resection for rectal cancer at a single institution. Methods From November 1999 to November 2005, 107 patients with rectal cancer were treated by laparoscopy. Exclusion criteria were: metastatic disease, advanced disease with invasion of adjacent structures, clinical or radiologic involvement of the external anal sphincter, previous colonic resection, synchronous colonic adenocarcinoma, and contraindications to laparoscopy. All patients were followed prospectively for survival and complications. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A laparoscopic sphincter-saving procedure was performed in 104 patients, 2 patients had a laparoscopic Miles operation, and 1 underwent a laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedure. Mean operating time was 278 (range, 135–430) minutes. Conversion to open surgery was required in 20 of 107 patients (18.7 percent). Overall morbidity was 27 percent, anastomotic leakage occurred in 14 of 104 patients (13.5 percent). There was no postoperative mortality. A mean of 18 (range, 1–49) lymph nodes was removed. Mean distance of distal margin from tumor was 2.6 (range, 0.5–10) cm; in two patients there was microscopic invasion of the distal margin. Mean hospital stay was nine (range, 4–43) days. Mean follow-up was 35.8 months. There was local recurrence in 1 of 107 patients (0.95 percent); there were no port site metastases. Actuarial five-year and disease-free survival rates are 81.4 and 79.8 percent, respectively. Conclusions Laparoscopic rectal surgery is feasible and oncologically radical but also technically demanding (conversion rate, 18.7 percent), time-consuming (mean operating time, 278 minutes), and associated with specific intraoperative complications. At present, the technique should only be performed in specialist centers by teams experienced in laparoscopic surgery. Presented at the meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Los Angeles, California, May 20 to 24, 2006.     

Screening,Treatment, and Prostate Cancer Mortality in the Seattle Area and Connecticut: Fifteen-year Follow-up

Background  Prior to introduction of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, the Seattle–Puget Sound and Connecticut Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) areas had similar prostate cancer mortality rates. Early in the PSA era (1987–1990), men in the Seattle area were screened and treated more intensively for prostate cancer than men in Connecticut. Objective  We previously reported more intensive screening and treatment early in the PSA era did not lower prostate cancer mortality through 11 years and now extend follow-up to 15 years. Design  Natural experiment comparing two fixed population-based cohorts. Subjects  Male Medicare beneficiaries ages 65–79 from the Seattle (N = 94,900) and Connecticut (N = 120,621) SEER areas, followed from 1987–2001. Measurements  Rates of prostate cancer screening; treatment with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy; and prostate cancer-specific mortality. Main Results  The 15-year cumulative incidences of radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy through 2001 were 2.84% and 6.02%, respectively, for Seattle cohort members, compared to 0.56% and 5.07% for Connecticut cohort members (odds ratio 5.20, 95% confidence interval 3.22 to 8.42 for surgery and odds ratio 1.24, 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.58 for radiation). The cumulative incidence of androgen deprivation therapy from 1991–2001 was 4.78% for Seattle compared to 6.13% for Connecticut (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 0.87). The adjusted rate ratio of prostate cancer mortality through 2001 was 1.02 (95% C.I. 0.96 to 1.09) in Seattle versus Connecticut. Conclusion  Among men aged 65 or older, more intensive prostate cancer screening early in the PSA era and more intensive treatment particularly with radical prostatectomy over 15 years of follow-up were not associated with lower prostate cancer-specific mortality.