The Imapact of Bowel Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, imposes a significant economic and humanitarian burden on patients and society. Nearly 10% of all cancer incidence worldwide is CRC, and it is the only major malignancy with a similar prevalence in men and women. Since CRC is generally a disease of the elderly, its economic burden is expected to grow in the near future, mainly due to population aging. Ample evidence shows that screening for CRC with any of several available strategies significantly decreases CRC mortality by allowing detection at an early stage, and even prevention by removal of possible precursors like adenomas. Changing trends in incidence rates, stage, mortality, and change from leftsided to right-sided CRC have been seen in the last two decades. However, many people who would benefit from CRC screening do not receive it. Future interventions should focus on reducing modifiable barriers, making follow-up testing more convenient and accessible, and increasing understanding of the benefit of screening and follow-up.