Colorectal Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Q&A

Secondary Prevention of Sporadic Colorectal Adenoma

Q: How is secondary prevention of sporadic colorectal adenomas performed?

1. Endoscopic removal of colorectal adenomas can significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, but attention should be paid to the recurrence rate of colorectal adenoma after removal.

2. Improving lifestyle habits and adjusting dietary structure may reduce the recurrence rate of colorectal adenomas after removal.

3. Low doses of aspirin can be taken to prevent recurrence of colorectal adenoma in patients younger than 70 with a life expectancy of more than 10 years, who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, and with no risk factor for gastrointestinal bleeding. Other NSAIDs, such as COX-2 inhibitors, reduce adenoma recurrence, but patients must consider risks and benefits.

4. Calcium and vitamin D, alone or in combination, may have a preventive effect on recurrence of colorectal adenoma.

5. Berberine may reduce the recurrence of colorectal adenomas to some extent.

6. Metformin may have a preventive effect on colorectal adenomas, but more studies are needed.