Table 4

 Rate ratios for distal colorectal cancer (CRC) by baseline sigmoidoscopy characteristics

No of cases of distal* CRCDistal* CRC incidence†Rate ratio‡95% CI
CI, confidence interval.
*Defined as rectum or sigmoid colon.
†Per 100 000 person years.
‡Adjusted for sex, age, and family history of CRC.
Depth of insertion (cm)
    <30333.22.90.9–9.9
    30–39733.83.01.2–7.2
    40–49515.51.40.5–3.8
    50–59919.91.90.8–4.1
    60+2111.01.0Ref.
Examination limited by
    Spasm/pain1222.71.70.9–3.4
    Stool49.50.50.2–1.5
    Angulation1023.51.70.8–3.5