title: Screening for colorectal cancer--now and the near future.
abstract: When used appropriately, screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) can reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality. Current methods include fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy [FS], barium enema, and colonoscopy; all are cost-effective techniques. Unfortunately, offering an array of options has not increased screening utilization, which continues to lag behind that of other common cancers. Newer techniques, particularly virtual colonoscopy (VC) and stool DNA testing, may offer attractive alternatives for healthcare provider recommendation and patient use.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Division, Temple University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew Q
authors.initials: MQ
authors.lastname: Bromer
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Weinberg
mesh_terms: D001466:Barium Sulfate; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003287:Contrast Media; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D004733:Enema; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009780:Occult Blood; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D001466:Barium Sulfate