Colorectal Cancer Screening and Detection

Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal growths called polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum, and because it typically progresses slowly and without early symptoms, detecting and removing those polyps before they turn malignant is the central goal of screening programs. Colonoscopy remains the most widely used tool for both detection and prevention, though researchers continue to debate how to optimize screening intervals, extend participation across underserved populations, and weigh the benefits of newer alternatives like stool DNA tests and CT colonography. Incidence and mortality vary sharply by geography, age, and individual risk factors such as diet, family history, and inflammatory bowel disease, making it an active area for refining clinical guidelines and identifying who benefits most from earlier or more frequent surveillance. A notable open question is why rates among adults under fifty have been rising in high-income countries despite overall declines in older populations, driving new research into causes and appropriate screening thresholds for younger people.

Works

90,637

Total citations

1,342,264

Keywords

Colorectal CancerScreeningColonoscopyPolypsIncidenceMortality