Colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy: putting it into perspective

Implementation of nationwide screening programs aims to decrease the disease burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the general population. Globally, most population screening programs for CRC are carried out by either fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. For screening programs with colonoscopy as the primary method, only circumstantial evidence from observational studies is available to prove its effectiveness, suggesting that colonoscopy effectively reduces CRC incidence and mortality. Currently, large randomized trials are being conducted to corroborate these findings. Besides the direct effect of a screening program for CRC, its protective effect is further enhanced by enrolment of patients that underwent polypectomy in surveillance programs. However, despite CRC screening and surveillance colonoscopies, interval CRC still occur. Those are predominantly located in the right-sided colon and potential explanations, besides unfavorable tumor characteristics, are preventable operator-dependent factors relating to the quality of the colonoscopy procedure. In an effort to reduce differences in endoscopists' performance and thereby the occurrence of interval CRC, quality indicators of colonoscopy have been introduced. In addition, emerging advanced colonoscopy techniques might contribute to improvement in polyp detection and removal. Meticulous inspection of the colonic mucosa not only results in the detection of advanced and relevant lesions, but also in the removal of many diminutive and small lesions leading to an increasing number of surveillance colonoscopies, known as the 'high-detection paradox'. More data on the cost-effectiveness of high-quality colonoscopy as a primary screening method and surveillance programs with intervals based on optimal risk stratification are eagerly awaited.