The updated 13-year NordICC data showed that colonoscopy screening reduced colorectal cancer incidence by about 30%, strengthening the benefit seen in the original 10-year analysis. However, the trial still did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in CRC mortality.
Experts emphasized that the findings are heavily influenced by participation rates—only 42% of invited individuals actually underwent colonoscopy. The study reinforces that colonoscopy can be effective at reducing cancer incidence when completed, while also highlighting how improved modern cancer therapies may make mortality benefits harder to detect in screening trials.