Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and contributes significantly to many cancer-related deaths despite sustained progress in diagnostic and treatment options. Many forms of CRC can be prevented through early and routine screening, when precancerous lesions may be detected and removed before they undergo malignant transformation or metastasis. Despite widespread efforts to improve CRC screening rates, at least 40% of age-eligible adults do not adhere to screening guidelines. A new generation of noninvasive, molecular-based diagnostic tests with high sensitivities and specificities has the potential to improve screening rates through optimal risk stratification of patients who may benefit from more invasive screening techniques. This review presents various guidelines and methods that are currently available for CRC screening, summarizes the rationale behind utilization of novel molecular-based diagnostic tests for CRC screening and prevention, and discusses appropriate screening techniques and intervals in populations of varying risk.