Screening for colorectal cancer: what fits best?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been shown to be effective in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. There are currently a number of screening modalities available for implementation into a population-based CRC screening program. Each screening method offers different strengths but also possesses its own limitations as a population-based screening strategy. We review the current evidence base for accepted CRC screening tools and evaluate their merits alongside their challenges in fulfilling their role in the detection of CRC. We also aim to provide an outlook on the demands of a low-risk population-based CRC screening program with a view to providing insight as to which modality would best suit current and future needs.
Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. leecs@tcd.ie
Chun Seng
CS
Lee
Leen
L
Ronan
Colm
C
O'Morain
Deirdre
D
McNamara
D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D009780:Occult Blood; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods