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Review
. 2025 Sep 26;17(1):73.
doi: 10.1186/s13099-025-00751-y.

Comprehensive evaluation and progress of colorectal cancer screening methods

Affiliations
Review

Comprehensive evaluation and progress of colorectal cancer screening methods

Huang Jiaqun et al. Gut Pathog. .

Abstract

The evolution of colorectal cancer (CRC) follows a progression from polyp to adenoma and eventually to cancer. The implementation of CRC screening is an effective strategy to interrupt the disease process and reduce morbidity and mortality during this process. Early diagnosis and treatment of tumors can be facilitated through widespread screening campaigns, thereby reducing the economic burden on the state, society and families. In order to achieve this goal, the key lies in the development of screening methods that are both efficient and economical to ensure that they can be widely disseminated and minimize the rate of missed diagnoses. At home and abroad, numerous scholars and experts have devoted themselves to the study of CRC screening methods. This review synthesizes current evidence through a systematic literature review to evaluate existing CRC screening methodologies, thereby offering critical insights to inform clinical decision-making in optimizing screening strategy selection.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Early diagnosis; Molecular markers; Screening methods.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
CRC screening methods
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Stool-based CRC screening methods
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Blood-based CRC screening methods. This figure schematically illustrates key biomarkers in peripheral blood utilized for CRC screening and diagnosis, including CTCs, exosomes, ctDNA, miRNAs, and proteins. Specifically, CTCs directly reflect tumor cell shedding and metastatic potential. ctDNA released from necrotic tumor cells enables tumor-specific characteristics revelation through analytical interrogation. Exosomes serve as intercellular communication vehicles transporting tumor-specific miRNAs, proteins, and other molecular cargo, while cell-free proteins collectively constitute critical diagnostic targets in liquid biopsy approaches

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