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Explore the Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study
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Summary

The Minnesota Colon Cancer Control Study (MINN) was a three arm randomized screening study designed to test if colorectal cancer mortality rates could be reduced through the use of periodic screenings. The two screening arms were screened either annually or biennially (every two years). Participants in the two screening arms were asked to submit six hemoccult slides, two smears from three consecutive stools. After 13 years of follow-up, the study concluded that there was a substantial reduction in mortality and that annual screens saw the largest improvement.


Study Years: 1975-1992

Randomized trial with two arms:

  • Arms
    • Arm I: Annual Screening
    • Arm II: Biennial Screening
    • Arm III: Control arm

Study Eligibility:
  • Ages Eligible for Study: 50 to 80
  • Sexes Eligible for Study: Male or Female
  • Recruited from volunteers for the American Cancer Society and fraternal, veterans, and employee groups in Minnesota
  • No prior history of colorectal cancer, familial polyposis, or chronic ulcerative colitis
  • Not bedridden or otherwise disabled