Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) imposes a substantial global burden, with highest incidence in Australia/New Zealand and Europe and rising early-onset cases. Screening uptake remains suboptimal worldwide, and national guidelines are not universal. Colonoscopy is the gold-standard screening modality, enabling detection and resection of precancerous lesions; polypectomy substantially reduces CRC incidence and mortality. Noninvasive tests are valuable but require follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation. Barriers to colonoscopy occur at patient (anxiety, literacy, language, culture), provider (recommendation, communication), and system (access, cost, policy) levels. Technological advances-high-definition and advanced optics, artificial intelligence, and robotic colonoscopy-enhance detection, safety, and participation, advancing prevention.