Assessing Suitability of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Oman

Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers globally and carries a high mortality rate. The incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing in the Middle East, including in Oman. While many countries have implemented a bowel cancer screening program, Oman has yet to establish one. A standard tool for bowel cancer screening is a fecal immunochemical test where a fecal sample is sent to a laboratory to check for blood content in the feces. In Oman, such fecal test kits are available at the primary health care level, but primary care physicians were unaware of the signs and symptoms or screening methods for colorectal cancer. This review article aims to assess the suitability of a colorectal cancer screening program in Oman using guidelines from the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) collaboration.