[Screening for prevention and early detection of colorectal carcinoma]

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) fulfills all the criteria for a successful screening: i) it is a frequent tumor associated with serious morbidity and mortality; ii) recognition and treatment of premalignant lesions or early tumor stages improves prognosis and lowers its incidence, respectively. During recent years, our understanding of the biology, diagnosis and therapy of adenomas and CRCs led to the identification of risk factors. Based on these, screening strategies differ for individuals with average risk (age > or = 50 years, no risk factors) and individuals with increased risk for CRC development (positive personal history [CRC, colorectal adenomas, inflammatory bowel disease]; positive family history [CRC, colorectal adenomas, hereditary syndromes]). The currently available strategies aimed at prevention and early detection of CRCs (past history, family history, rectal digital examination, fecal occult blood testing, endoscopy) are discussed and recommendations for their implementation are formulated.