[Colorectal carcinoma - How can we improve prevention?]

Colorectal carcinoma - How can we improve prevention? Abstract. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Europe. Comprehensive screening is useful and cost-effective. However, participation in screening programs in Switzerland is low and falls below 20 %. Immunological stool tests (FIT tests) can - when carried out every two years - detect tumours and advanced adenomas, and thus reduce mortality. These tests have replaced older guaiac faecal tests (e. g. Hämoccult®). The detection and removal of small colon polyps is still only possible through colonoscopy, which is applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and continues to be the gold standard for CRC screening. The decisive factors for screening are risk-adapted prevention with stratification of patients according to risk groups and the general optimization of risk factors. Educating the patient about the advantages and disadvantages of the various screening procedures and making a shared decision are necessary prerequisites for greater participation in screening programs.