Colorectal cancer screening: The value of early detection and modern challenges

Abstract

The screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) is pivotal for both the prevention and treatment of this disease, significantly improving early-stage tumor detection rates. This advancement not only boosts survival rates and quality of life for patients but also reduces the costs associated with treatment. However, the adoption of CRC screening methods faces numerous challenges, including the technical limitations of both noninvasive and invasive methods in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, socioeconomic factors such as regional disparities, economic conditions, and varying levels of awareness affect screening uptake. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic further intensified these cha-llenges, leading to reduced screening participation and increased waiting periods. Additionally, the growing prevalence of early-onset CRC necessitates innovative screening approaches. In response, research into new methodologies, including artificial intelligence-based systems, aims to improve the precision and accessibility of screening. Proactive measures by governments and health organizations to enhance CRC screening efforts are underway, including increased advocacy, improved service delivery, and international cooperation. The role of technological innovation and global health collaboration in advancing CRC screening is undeniable. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and gene sequencing are set to revolutionize CRC screening, making a significant impact on the fight against this disease. Given the rise in early-onset CRC, it is crucial for screening strategies to continually evolve, ensuring their effectiveness and applicability.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Early detection; Economic implications; Noninvasive tests; Quality of life; Survival rates; Technical challenges; Therapeutic modalities.

Figure 1

Selection of colorectal cancer screening methods. Participants who can tolerate invasive procedures generally choose colonoscopy, the gold standard. For those who cannot tolerate invasive procedures, the screening method is selected based on their risk profile. For example, those at moderate to high risk generally choose fecal immunochemical test, while the general population prefers fecal DNA testing as their preferred screening method. FIT: Fecal immunochemical test for fecal occult blood.