Colorectal cancer screening: Modalities and adherence

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Public Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies are evolving, considering diverse factors like epidemiology, individual traits, and socioeconomic status.
• A recent retrospective study by Agatsuma et al. in the World Journal of Gastroenterology is discussed, focusing on screening trends and improving suboptimal global CRC screening uptake.
• Enhancing early diagnosis rates of CRC is a primary goal, necessitating improved screening participation among the general population.

Discussion:

• Health education programs are vital for raising awareness about CRC screening.
• Readily available, non-invasive screening methods are essential for encouraging participation, particularly in resource-limited regions.
• Strategies must target high- and average-risk groups to maximize the impact of screening initiatives.

Key Insights:

• Suboptimal global CRC screening uptake necessitates innovative approaches to increase participation.
• Non-invasive screening methods and enhanced health education are critical for improving early CRC detection.
• Liquid biopsies and biomarkers show promise but require standardization for clinical application.

Outlook:

• Future CRC screening efforts should integrate accessible, non-invasive methods and robust health education.
• Standardization of novel biomarkers and liquid biopsies is crucial for their widespread clinical adoption.
• Continued research into epidemiological data and individual characteristics will refine personalized CRC screening strategies.