Comparison of Barium Enema, Computed Tomographic Colonography, and Colonoscopy in Detecting Colon Cancer

You may be eligible if

• DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:
• One of the following must be present:
• * At least 1 positive fecal occult blood test within the past 6 months
• * Iron deficiency anemia, defined as:
• * Hemoglobin less than 13 g/dL (males)
• * Hemoglobin less than 12 g/dL (females)
• * Ferritin less than 45 g/dL
• * Episode of bright red blood per the rectum
• * Family history of colon cancer or adenoma
• * One first-degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer or adenoma at age 60 or under OR
• * Two first-degree relatives diagnosed with colon cancer or adenoma at any age
• No active gastrointestinal hemorrhage, including any of the following:
• * Reported or witnessed hematemesis
• * Melenic stools
• * Melenemesis
• * Multiple episodes of hematochezia within the past 2 months
• PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
• Age:
• 18 and over
• Performance status:
• Not specified
• Life expectancy:
• Not specified
• Hematopoietic:
• See Disease Characteristics
• Hepatic:
• Not specified
• Renal:
• Not specified
• Cardiovascular:
• No myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident within the past 6 weeks
• Pulmonary:
• No respiratory failure within the past 6 weeks
• Other:
• No serious medical disorder (e.g., sepsis) within the past 6 weeks
• Weight less than 300 pounds
• Willing and able to undergo endoscopic or radiologic procedures
• * No need for special precautions in performing endoscopic procedures (e.g., antibiotic prophylaxis or complicated anticoagulation reversal)
• No prisoners
• Not pregnant
• Negative pregnancy test
• Fertile patients must use effective contraception
• PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:
• Biologic therapy:
• Not specified
• Chemotherapy:
• Not specified
• Endocrine therapy:
• Not specified
• Radiotherapy:
• Not specified
• Surgery:
• Not specified
• Other:
• No other concurrent clinical trial participation involving drugs, medical devices, and/or biologics