Occurrence Of Colorectal Polyps Research Articles

The role of BMI, serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes in colorectal polyps.

To investigate the role of body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes in colorectal polyps. A total of 352 individuals who underwent colonoscopy at our center were included in this retrospective analysis. Of these, 247 patients without evident abnormalities (control group), while 105 patients diagnosed with colorectal polyps (patient group). Serum lipid profile molecules and their derivative indexes were then compared between the two groups. The patient group exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) compared to the control group (p<0.05). In males, the patient group displayed elevated levels of ApoB and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compared to the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, the triglycerides (TG) and TG/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios were significantly higher in the multiple polyps group than in the single polyp group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the HDL-C and HDL-C/ApoA1 ratio levels were higher in the adenomatous polyp group when compared to the non-adenomatous polyp group (p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that total cholesterol (TC), TG, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), TC/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio were risk factors for the occurrence of colorectal polyps (p<0.05). ROC curve analyses revealed that TC, ApoB, and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were associated with colorectal polyps. No significant difference in BMI between the two groups (p>0.05). The incidence and progression of colorectal polyps are linked to serum lipid molecules and their derivative indexes. Dyslipidemia may increase the risk of colorectal polyps, potentially leading to colorectal cancer (CRC).

Association of Meat Subtypes With Colorectal Polyp Prevalence: Finding From the Lanxi Pre-colorectal Cancer Cohort in China.

BackgroundAlthough the detrimental effect of red meat on colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has been extensively reported, no previous studies have comprehensively linked different meat subtypes with colorectal polyp occurrence. The aim was to assess the association of meat and subtypes with colorectal polyp prevalence for the high-risk CRC Chinese population. Besides, we also focused on the association according to sizes, subsites, and multiplicity of polyps.MethodsHigh-risk CRC patients aged 40–80 years were enrolled into the Lanxi Pre-colorectal Cancer Cohort (LP3C) between March 2018 and December 2019. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted by using the baseline data from LP3C. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was employed to collect dietary information. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of colorectal polyp prevalence were estimated by multivariate logistic regression.Results2,064 colorectal polyp cases were identified among 6,783 eligible participants in the survey of LP3C (March 2018 and December 2019). Total meat intake was positively related to rectum polyp prevalence (Pfor trend = 0.01) but was not linked to total colorectal polyps after multivariable adjustment. For meat subtypes, higher poultry consumption was significantly related to a higher polyp prevalence [ORQ4vs.Q1 (95% CI): 1.20 (1.02–1.42); Pfor trend = 0.03]. Processed red meat intake was linked to an increased small polyp prevalence (Pfor trend = 0.03) while unprocessed red meat had a relation with a higher rectum polyp prevalence (Pfor trend = 0.04). Furthermore, seafood intake had a significant association with a higher multiple polyp prevalence [ORQ4vs.Q1 (95% CI): 1.70 (1.31–2.21); Pfor trend < 0.001].ConclusionThe finding was that poultry meat consumption was related to a higher polyp prevalence. Besides, total meat consumption, processed and unprocessed red meat consumption, seafood consumption had a positive relation with certain polyp subtypes prevalence. Generally recommending reducing total meat consumption, including poultry, processed and unprocessed red meat, and seafood intake, may prevent colorectal polyps.

Relationship between insulin resistance, serum VCAM-1, FGF19, IGF-1 and colorectal polyps

Objective: To explore the relationship between insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism related molecules and colorectal polyps. Methods: A total of 262 healthy people who underwent colonoscopy in Shandong cancer hospital from June 2019 to September 2020 were selected. The levels of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), fasting blood glucose and fasting blood insulin were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and the influencing factors of occurrence, pathological type, size and number of polyps were analyzed. Results: Among 262 cases, 116 cases were polyp free, 113 cases were adenomatous polyp and 33 cases were inflammatory polyp. HOMA-IR, VCAM-1 and FGF19 in polyp group were 2.904±1.754, (334.415±139.573) ng/ml and (135.865±98.470) pg/ml, respectively, which were higher than 2.369±1.306, (302.480±99.946) ng/ml and(110.694±76.044) ng/ml in non-polyp group, respectively (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the gender (OR=4.269, 95%CI: 1.963-9.405) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.385, 95%CI: 1.155-4.926) were independent factors of colorectal polyps. The gender (OR=3.799, 95%CI: 1.650-8.748) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.290, 95%CI: 1.072-4.891) were independent factors of colorectal adenomatous polyps. The gender(OR=6.725, 95%CI: 1.853-24.410) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.047, 95%CI: 0.009-0.245) were independent factors of colorectal inflammatory polyps. The gender (OR=3.539, 95% CI: 1.293-9.689) was an independent factor for the occurrence of single polyp. The gender (OR=5.063, 95% CI: 2.048-12.515), FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.502, 95%CI: 1.102-5.681), fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.095-0.839) were independent factors of multiple polyps. The gender (OR=3.416, 95% CI: 1.134-10.289) and fasting insulin (≥9.4 μU/ml: OR=9.480, 95% CI: 1.485-60.521) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps<0.5 cm. The gender (OR=3.151, 95%CI: 1.244-7.984) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.310, 95%CI: 0.102-0.941) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps with the size of 0.5-0.9 cm. The gender (OR=22.649, 95%CI: 4.154-123.485), age (55 to 64 years old: OR=4.473, 95%CI: 1.070-18.704; ≥65 years old: OR=5.815, 95%CI: 1.300-26.009), BMI (≥28 kg/m(2): OR=5.310, 95%CI: 1.224-23.032) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=7.474, 95%CI: 1.903-29.351) were independent factors for colorectal polyps with size ≥ 1.0 cm. Gender stratification analysis showed that FGF19 was an independent factor for the occurrence of male polyps (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.109, 95%CI: 1.688-22.104) and adenomas (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.401, 95%CI: 1.717-23.864). The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=3.783, 95%CI: 1.052-13.611) and VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=4.341, 95%CI: 1.142-16.493) were independent risk factors of female polyps. The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=5.743, 95%CI: 1.205-27.362, ≥65 years old: OR=6.885, 95%CI: 1.143-41.467), VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=6.313, 95%CI: 1.415-28.159) and IGF-1 (≥7.6 ng/ml: OR=5.621, 95%CI: 1.069-29.543) were independent factors of female adenoma. Conclusions: The occurrences of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps are related to insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism. Serum FGF19 is an independent influencing factor for the occurrence of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps, and is a potential serological diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps.

Vitamin D supplementation reduces the occurrence of colorectal polyps in high-latitude locations

There is suggestive evidence for the role of vitamin D in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to high latitudes in Canada, many Canadians are vitamin D deficient throughout winter. In this analysis, we examined the association between vitamin D supplement use and high-risk adenomatous polyps (HRAPs). The study population was drawn from the biorepository at the Forzani & MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre (CCSC) in Calgary. Individuals enrolled between 2013 and 2016 between the age of 50 and 74 years (n = 1409) were included. When examining the association between any supplemental vitamin D use and HRAPs, a protective effect is observed with an ORadj of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.33–0.96). Similarly, meeting the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin D (600 IU) is protective against HRAPs with an ORadj of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.62–0.99). This study suggests that adequate vitamin D supplementation reduces the occurrence of colorectal polyps in high-latitude locations.

246 Helicobacter pylori Infection Increases the Risk of Colorectal Polyps: A Large Scale Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION: Persistent Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection begins during childhood and can cause peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. It can also cause extra-gastric organ disease, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Although some studies have indicated a correlation between H. pylori infection and the risk of colorectal neoplasms, these findings have not been consistent and are controversial. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between H. pylori-associated endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA) and colorectal polyp occurrence. METHODS: Records of 7394 participants who underwent colonoscopy examinations from August 2008 to July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Saved images of endoscopic examinations were used to evaluate the colorectal polyps and GMA. Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of colorectal polyps were computed by using the multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 2404 subjects were registered; 1565 (65.1%) were in the GMA-positive group and 1138 (47.3%) had colorectal polyps. The multivariate analysis adjusted by age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol habits, serum lipid levels, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure, and body mass index indicated that patients in the GMA-positive group more frequently had colorectal polyps compared with patients in the GMA-negative group (odds ratio [OR], 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68–4.01; P &lt; 0.001). An analysis of the association between GMA degree and colorectal polyp status indicated that, compared with mild GMA, severe GMA was associated with a higher risk of proximal colon polyps (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.05–2.07; P = 0.024) and two or more colorectal polyps (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.30–2.49; P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: Colonoscopy examination is useful for discovering colorectal disease, including polyps; however, the examination is more burdensome than esophagogastroduodenoscopy for patients because of the required preparation and invasiveness. This study showed H. pylori-associated GMA found during endoscopy indicated an increased risk for colorectal polyps. Moreover, it also showed severe GMA indicated risks for proximal colon polyps and multiple polyps. These results allow physicians to recommend colonoscopy examinations for specific patients.

Colon polyps in patients with short bowel syndrome before and after teduglutide: Post hoc analysis of the STEPS study series.

Teduglutide promotes intestinal growth and is approved for the treatment of short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure (SBS-IF). Based on the pharmacologic activity and preclinical findings, teduglutide can potentially induce proliferative colonic mucosal changes.The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of colorectal polyps in adult patients with SBS-IF who received teduglutide in clinical studies conducted to date. A post hoc analysis of the completed Study of Teduglutide Effectiveness in Parenteral Nutrition-Dependent Short Bowel Syndrome Subjects (STEPS) clinical study series (NCT00798967, EudraCT 2008-006193-15; NCT00930644, EudraCT 2009-011679-65; NCT01560403) evaluated electronic case report form data for baseline colonoscopies (performed before treatment) and for surveillance or end-of-study (performed after treatment with teduglutide 0.05mg/kg/day for 24 and 36 months) post-exposure procedures. In the STEPS studies, 73 patients treated with teduglutide had a baseline colonoscopy. No post-exposure colonoscopy was scheduled in STEPS. In STEPS-2/3, 50 of 65 patients with remnant colon (77%) underwent a protocol-mandated post-exposure colonoscopy. Colon polyps were reported at baseline in 12% (9/73) of patients and post-exposure in 18% (9/50) of patients. Two had polyps both at baseline and post-exposure. On histology, available for 7 patients, 5 had adenomas (1 serrated, 4 tubular) and none had malignancy or high-grade dysplasia. These data support recommendations for colonoscopic screening before teduglutide therapy and subsequent on-therapy colonoscopic surveillance for patients with SBS-IF. Further studies are required to assess the risk of polyp formation in patients with SBS-IF and the most appropriate colon polyp surveillance strategies.

Colorectal Cancer Among Gout Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

The connection between gout and various cancers remains unclear. We assessed the relationship between gout and colorectal cancer in a population of veterans. We reviewed the Computerized Patient Record System of the VA New York Harbor Health Care System to assess the 10-year occurrence of colorectal cancer in patients with gout undergoing colonoscopy, versus patients with osteoarthritis but no gout. Gout and osteoarthritis subjects were similar in age, ethnicity, body mass index, and smoking history. Among 581 gout and 598 osteoarthritis subjects with documented colonoscopies, the 10-year prevalence of colorectal cancer was significantly lower in gout (0.8%) versus osteoarthritis (3.7%) (p = 0.0008) patients. Differences in colorectal cancer rates remained significant after stratifying for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Among gout subjects, use of colchicine and/or allopurinol, as well as the presence/absence of concomitant osteoarthritis, did not influence colorectal cancer occurrence. On subanalysis, differences in colorectal cancer occurrence between gout and osteoarthritis subjects persisted among those who underwent diagnostic (0.5% in gout vs 4.6% in osteoarthritis subjects, p < 0.001) but not screening (0.9% in gout subjects vs 1% in osteoarthritis subjects, p = 1.0) colonoscopy. There was no significant difference in nonmalignant colorectal polyp occurrence between gout and osteoarthritis subjects. Subjects with gout had decreased colonoscopy-documented occurrence of colorectal cancer compared with osteoarthritis subjects, suggesting a possible protective effect.

Endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy as a predictor of colorectal polyps: a large scale case-control study.

Although some studies have indicated a correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of colorectal neoplasms, these findings have not been consistent and are controversial. This case-control study aimed to investigate the association between endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy and colorectal polyp occurrence. Records of 7,394 participants who underwent colonoscopy examinations from August 2008 to July 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 2,404 subjects were registered; 1,565 (65.1%) were in the gastric mucosal atrophy-positive group and 1,138 (47.3%) had colorectal polyps. The multivariate analysis adjusted by age, sex, smoking habits, alcohol habits, hemoglobin A1c, and systolic blood pressure indicated that patients in the gastric mucosal atrophy-positive group more frequently had colorectal polyps compared with patients in the gastric mucosal atrophy-negative group (odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 2.68-4.01; p<0.001). An analysis of the association between gastric mucosal atrophy degree and colorectal polyp status indicated that, compared with mild gastric mucosal atrophy, severe gastric mucosal atrophy was associated with a higher risk of proximal colon polyps (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.07; p=0.024) and two or more colorectal polyps (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-2.49; p<0.001). In conclusion, gastric mucosal atrophy found during esophagogastroduodenoscopy may be an indication for complete colon screening.

Improving Colorectal Polyp Classification Based on Physical Examination Data—An Ensemble Learning Approach

Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer. Due to the alarming incidence and mortality rate, it has received increasing attention on early detection and treatment. Colorectal polyps form and grow at initial stages of most colorectal cancer cases. Due to rather stringent medical resource availability and low screening compliance rate, it is more desirable in China than industrialized countries to characterize the relations between colorectal polyp occurrence and various potential determinants, including basic health information, comorbidities, and lifestyle conditions. Subsequently, one can better predict polyp incidence for each individual. In this letter, we report a data-driven modeling study to improve binary classification of colorectal polyp occurrence. We apply several machine-learning methods, particularly random forests, for physical examination and screening colonoscopy results of a Chinese cohort, to build the classifiers. Our results suggest improved prediction performance with the random forests model. Our study also provides evidence to support the general speculation that emotional status may be an influential risk factor to early colorectal cancer growth in China.

초음파로 진단된 지방간 질환과 대장 용종과의 연관성

지방간은 초음파검사에 의해 진단되는 임상적으로 흔한 간질환이다. 본 연구에서는 지방간과 대장암의 전구병변인 대장용종과의 연관성을 분석하여 지방간에 대한 보다 포괄적인 접근방법을 제시하고자 한다. 2012년부터 2013년 1년 동안 청주소재 소화기내과전문센터에서 복부초음파와 대장내시경검사를 동시에 시행한 만성간질환이나 대장질환이 없는 성인 348명을 대상으로 하였다. 지방간과 대장용종의 Chi-Square test에서 지방간이 있는 사람이 지방간이 없는 사람보다 유의미하게 용종이 많이 발생하였다(p<.001). 각 요인별 상관관계를 보았을 때 지방간과 대장용종간의 상관관계가 가장 높았다(p<.001). 다중회귀분석에서는 지방간(OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.93.-7.50), 공복 시 혈당(OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.12-5.62), 나이(OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.27-3.54) 이 대장용종의 발생에 유의미하게 작용하였다. 이상의 연구결과에서 초음파검사로 진단된 지방간이 대장용종의 발생에 있어 유의미한 영향력을 나타내어 지방간으로 진단되었을 때에는 대장내시경검사를 좀 더 적극적으로 고려해보는 것이 좋을 것이다. This study proposes a more comprehensive approach for FLD by analyzing the relationship of colorectal polyps, which are precursors of colorectal cancer. In Chi-Square tests of FLD and colorectal polyps, the prevalence of colorectal polyps was significantly high in cases of FLD. The polyps and correlation of each factor showed a positive relationship with all factors, and the correlation coefficient with FLD was highest (r = 0.39, p <.001). In multiple regression analysis, FLD(OR 3.80 95% CI 1.93.-7.50), FBS (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.12-5.62), and older age (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.27-3.54) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps. FLD was associated with the prevalence of colorectal polyps. These results show a meaningful influenceof FLD by ultrasonography in the occurrence of colorectal polyps, and that positive consideration of colonoscopy is needed for diagnosed FLD.

Association between Obesity, Serum Lipids, and Colorectal Polyps in Old Chinese People

Background. Colorectal cancer mostly arises from the polyps of colon. The aim of our study was to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) and serum lipids with the colorectal polyps in old Chinese people. Methods. The risk of developing colorectal polyps was studied in 244 subjects (212 men and 32 women, 74.63 ± 11.63 years old) who underwent colonoscopy for the first time from January 2008 to July 2012 at the Navy General Hospital, Beijing, China. According to the results of colonoscopy, all the subjects were divided into 112 normal control, 38 right colorectal polyps, 53 left colorectal polyps, and 41 both right and left colorectal polyps groups. The total plasma cholesterol, plasma triglyceride, plasma creatinine concentration, blood urinary nitrogen, and fasting glucose were determined using a multichannel analyzer. Results. There were significant differences among normal control, right colorectal polyps, left colorectal polyps, and both right and left polyps groups, which were the BMI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urinary nitrogen. In binary logistic regression analysis, there were two risk factors associated with the occurrence of colorectal polyps, which included BMI and systolic blood pressure. Conclusions. Colorectal polyps were significantly associated with increased BMI, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels.

Racial Differences in Colorectal Polyp and Cancer Detection Rates and Their Locations among Individuals Aged Less Than 50y in an Urban Medical Center

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. The consensus is that most of the CRCs arise from adenomatous polyps. The ASGE, AGA, USMSTF, and ACS guidelines recommend colorectal screening for average-risk individuals at age 50, and colonoscopy is the preferred modality. Death rates from colorectal cancer are ˜30% higher in African Americans (AA) than in whites and twice the rates in Hispanics. The purpose of this study was to examine the racial differences in the occurrence of colorectal polyps and cancers in patients under the age 50. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 329 individuals <50y old, who underwent a colonoscopy in year 2008 for any indication. We reviewed demographics, medical history, medications, colonoscopy and pathology records. Exclusion criteria: inadequate preparation, incomplete exam, IBD and patients with family history of colon cancer. The data was analyzed in three groups (AA, Hispanic, and non-AA) using chi-square analysis. Results: 305 qualified patients; 117 | (38.37), 188 | (61.63%). M ean age of 40.56y + 8 SD; (age range: 10y-49y). No statistically significant differences were noted in adenomas detection rate between | (13.33%) a nd | (10.53%) (P=0.44). The mean age of occurrence of adenomas in different races was 42 years in AAs, 41 years Hispanics, 40.3 years non-AAs. Two cancers were detected in a 35 year old white female patient and a 47 year old AA patient. Conclusion: (1) Right sided only adenomas were noted in all groups and more frequently in AAs (17.1%) Vs. Hispanics (2%) (P=0.0101) vs. non-AAs (11.8%) (P = 0.0557) which was statistically significant. (2) There is no statistical significance in mean age of occurrence of adenomas in different races. (3) The occurrence of adenomas was similar in males and females (P=0.5568). These findings suggest that a modality to screen both right and left sided colonic polyps (i.e., colonoscopy rather than sigmoidoscopy) should be used for all races and specifically for AAs.Table: Results

Volunteers as adjunct researchers in a cancer prevention trial

In April 1991, the Virginia Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS) initiated the feasibility phase of the Colon Polyp Prevention Study (CPPS) to determine whether a high fiber supplement would decrease new adenomatous colorectal polyp occurrence. The feasibility phase had two specific objectives: 1) to evaluate accrual and compliance to the designed protocol and 2) to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of volunteers as research assistants. The CPPS is an innovative project in which trained volunteers play a significant role in the research process. In the CPPS, volunteer adjunct researchers (VARs) were trained to perform individual dietary data collection and intervention and other general study monitoring functions. VARs were trained, certified, and monitored in the performance of their assigned tasks by ACS staff and expert consultants. A total of 119 volunteers were trained as VARs, 74 of whom were certified and matched to a study participant. Between 1991-1995, only six VARs left the study. After active accrual of participants to the study ceased in 1995, 38 VARs (50% of the certified VARs) continued to monitor the active study participants. All VARs were consistently able to conduct the functions for which they were trained. In spite of expected volunteer attrition rates, a core of 38 dedicated VARs were matched to 72 participants and demonstrated the ability to perform selected data collecting activities on a consistent and efficient basis. The use of trained volunteers has allowed the CPPS to function in its feasibility phase at personnel cost considerably less than that of other similar cancer prevention trials.

Volunteers as adjunct researchers in a cancer prevention trial

BACKGROUND In April 1991, the Virginia Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS) initiated the feasibility phase of the Colon Polyp Prevention Study (CPPS) to determine whether a high fiber supplement would decrease new adenomatous colorectal polyp occurrence. The feasibility phase had two specific objectives: 1) to evaluate accrual and compliance to the designed protocol and 2) to evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of volunteers as research assistants. The CPPS is an innovative project in which trained volunteers play a significant role in the research process. METHODS In the CPPS, volunteer adjunct researchers (VARs) were trained to perform individual dietary data collection and intervention and other general study monitoring functions. VARs were trained, certified, and monitored in the performance of their assigned tasks by ACS staff and expert consultants. RESULTS A total of 119 volunteers were trained as VARs, 74 of whom were certified and matched to a study participant. Between 1991-1995, only six VARs left the study. After active accrual of participants to the study ceased in 1995, 38 VARs (50% of the certified VARs) continued to monitor the active study participants. All VARs were consistently able to conduct the functions for which they were trained. CONCLUSIONS In spite of expected volunteer attrition rates, a core of 38 dedicated VARs were matched to 72 participants and demonstrated the ability to perform selected data collecting activities on a consistent and efficient basis. The use of trained volunteers has allowed the CPPS to function in its feasibility phase at personnel cost considerably less than that of other similar cancer prevention trials. Cancer 1998;83:2384-2390. © 1998 American Cancer Society.

Relation of vegetable, fruit, and grain consumption to colorectal adenomatous polyps.

Previous studies suggest that colorectal cancer risk decreases with higher intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains. Few studies, however, have examined these factors in relation to occurrence of colorectal polyps. The authors used case-control data from 488 matched pairs to evaluate associations of vegetables, fruits, and grains with polyps. Subjects were southern Californians aged 50-74 years who had a sigmoidoscopy in 1991-1993. Diet in the year before sigmoidoscopy was measured with a food frequency questionnaire. Frequent consumption of vegetables, fruits, and grains was associated with decreased polyp prevalence. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of intake for vegetables was 0.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.76), for fruits was 0.65 (95% CI 0.40-1.05), and for grains was 0.55 (95% CI 0.33-0.91). The authors also found inverse associations for high carotenoid vegetables, cruciferae, high vitamin C fruits, garlic, and tofu (or soybeans). After further adjusting for potentially anticarcinogenic constituents of these foods, high carotenoid vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and tofu (or soybeans) remained inversely associated with polyps. These findings support the hypothesis that high intake of vegetables, fruits, or grains decreases the risk of polyps and suggest that any protective effects might reflect unmeasured constituents in these foods.