What is the optimal colorectal cancer screening program for an average-risk population?

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, is a major cause of cancer-related death in the world (1). To reduce CRC mortality, the implementation of “appropriate” CRC screening is essential. Thus, it is important to define what constitutes “appropriate” CRC screening. First, it must be effective and safe. There is strong evidence that the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy are effective CRC screening tools and their value in reducing CRC mortality has been proven in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (2-10).