Colorectal cancer update. Prevention, screening, treatment, and surveillance for high-risk groups

Abstract

Great advances have been made in understanding the cause and molecular genesis of colorectal cancer. The disease can be prevented by a healthful diet and lifestyle or by resecting the precursor of most of these cancers, the advanced adenomatous polyp. Screening the average-risk population plus special surveillance for high-risk groups now is recommended by evidence-based guidelines. Surgery is highly curative for patients without distant metastases, and adjuvant therapy improves survival in selected patients with advanced cancers.