Cracking the Code of Colorectal Cancer Screening: An Overview With a Focus on Current and Emerging Screening Methods

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer that affects the colon and rectum. It is a major cause of cancer-related mortality. A complicated interaction between environmental and genetic factors, such as age, diet, gut microbiota, obesity, chronic inflammation, and familial predisposition, appears to contribute to the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer. A multidisciplinary strategy is necessary for the effective care of CRC, including early detection through screening, surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted medicines. The slow progression of CRC through various stages gives us, physicians, leverage and a chance to promptly and adequately screen a patient and give them a better chance at life. There are multiple clinical trials being conducted to find better and the best screening and treatment modalities. Existing and emerging screening tests can be broadly divided into blood-based, stool-based and direct imaging-based screening tests. Colonoscopy is the gold standard. However, numerous emerging screening tests are changing the face of colon cancer screening. This review aims to highlight the background of CRC, including its etiopathogenesis, risk factors, and clinical features. It will also shed light on the existing and emerging screening techniques that will decide the future of this deadly cancer. In addition, the management section of this article will provide a summary of suggestions, including radiation and medical and surgical treatment modalities that may benefit physicians in managing this challenging condition. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed-indexed journals using the terms "Colorectal Cancer," "Etiopathogenesis of CRC," and "Emerging screening and treatment modalities in CRC." We explored the literature on the background of CRC, its pathogenesis, the importance of screening, screening modalities and comparisons amongst each one, and treatment options for this challenging cancer. We used peer-reviewed original research articles and systematic reviews published in English, conducted from 2015 to the present time, to reflect the developments in colorectal cancer. Studies with uncertain methodological details and outcomes were excluded.