title: Colorectal cancer screening.
abstract: During the past decade we have seen dramatic advances in colon cancer screening. Reduction in mortality in average risk screening for colorectal cancer has now been shown in multiple trials. Efforts to increase public awareness and compliance with evidence-based screening guidelines are underway. Recent guidelines have incorporated family history, as it has been identified as a common risk factor. The genes responsible for the inherited syndromes of colon cancer have been identified and genetic testing is available. Currently, screening the average risk population over the age of 50 would reduce mortality from colon cancer by 50%. Future advances will likely include improved screening tests, and the development of familial genetic testing.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132, USA.
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Trowbridge
authors.forename: Randall W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Burt
mesh_terms: D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D004733:Enema; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009780:Occult Blood; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy
chemical_list: D001466:Barium Sulfate