Low Prevalence of Screen-Detected Colorectal Cancer in an Average-Risk Population: The New Normal

Prior studies have reported the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in average-risk screening population ages 50-75 to be 0.7%-1.0%.^1,2 However, no estimates from studies enrolling individuals undergoing screening colonoscopy have been reported. The experience of ongoing studies enrolling average-risk individuals is that the prevalence rates are substantially lower. A 2020 study from a community-based cohort undergoing CRC screening with fecal immunochemical testing followed by diagnostic colonoscopy reported a CRC prevalence rate of 1.46 per 1000, or 0.15%.³ The aim of our study is to report the screen-detected prevalence of CRC and advanced neoplasia in average-risk asymptomatic individuals from selected academic and community medical centers in the United States, Canada, and Germany and describe associated risk factors.