TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – National Taiwan University Hospital announced on Monday that an extensive analysis discovered that fecal hemoglobin concentrations can help doctors schedule follow-up colonoscopies more accurately for those who need them most.
Hemoglobins are proteins that carry oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. They are made up of mostly iron, the mineral that makes human blood red.
A colonoscopy is a screening method to locate polyps, which are precancerous mounds of tissue that ought to be removed before they develop into colon cancer. The method involves inserting a camera-mounted tube, which is then guided through the rectum to locate the polyps for removal.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers in Taiwan. Patients are scheduled for follow-ups after polyps are removed, based on polyp size, number, and FIT tests, often leading to inadequate screening.
NTUH analyzed data from nearly four million people screened between 2010 and 2015, including 89,771 patients who underwent colonoscopy and polyp removal, with an average follow-up of 5.5 years and linkage to a national cancer registry covering 98.4% of cases. The study found that higher fecal hemoglobin concentration was associated with a higher risk of future colorectal cancer, up to 1.7 times the risk after polyp removal.
NTUH said the study's model indicates that low-risk patients may extend checkups up to 10 years, allowing tighter monitoring to be reserved for higher-risk individuals. NTUH added that the approach could reduce colonoscopies by 9.8% while lowering colorectal cancer risk by 6.7%.
NTU Health Management Center Director Chiu Han-mo (邱瀚模) said that there is no exact wait time before the next colonoscopy. Chiu added that blood concentration from routine screening allows physicians to adjust follow-ups accordingly, although the method is a reference and requires further validation.
Co–principal investigator Chen Hsiu-hsi (陳秀熙) said the main benefit is prioritizing colonoscopy for those who need it most. He added that the merit is conducting optimal check-ups for more efficient cancer prevention.
NTU Hospital Superintendent Yu Chong-jen (余忠仁) said the findings highlight Taiwan’s ability to integrate healthcare with data science. He added that the study may inspire future cancer screening policies.
