title: Colorectal cancer screening in Asia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer are rapidly rising in several countries in Asia. However, screening guidelines are lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of literature and local data published in peer review journals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence, anatomical distribution and mortality of colorectal cancer among Asian populations are comparable to those in Western countries. Flat and depressed colonic lesions are not uncommon. Male gender, smoking, obesity, metabolic syndrome and family history are risk factors for colorectal cancer. Certain ethnic groups in Asia have increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Faecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are recommended options for colorectal cancer screening in Asia. Regular screening should start at the age of 50 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The optimal screening method in Asia remains unclear. Faecal immunochemical test has been suggested as the first choice of screening test in countries with limited resources. The role of nurse endoscopists in performing endoscopic procedures for colorectal cancer screening in Asia has not been defined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is low public awareness and little support by health authorities for screening and prevention of this emerging disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Screening for colorectal cancer should be a national health priority in most Asian countries. Studies on barriers to screening, education of the public and engagement of family physicians are important strategies in promoting colorectal cancer screening. With more health-care support, increased public acceptance and better access to the general population, colorectal cancer screening in Asia can be rewarding.
authors.affiliation: Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China. siewchienng@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: Siew C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Sunny H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D005006:Ethnicity; D006801:Humans; D007417:Intestinal Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009780:Occult Blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy