Screening for Colorectal Cancer with Colonoscopy.
Authors
Affiliations (4)
Affiliations (4)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts Geneal Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
- Department of Internal Medicine, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, USA.
- Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA.
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) imposes a substantial global burden, with highest incidence in Australia/New Zealand and Europe and rising early-onset cases. Screening uptake remains suboptimal worldwide, and national guidelines are not universal. Colonoscopy is the gold-standard screening modality, enabling detection and resection of precancerous lesions; polypectomy substantially reduces CRC incidence and mortality. Noninvasive tests are valuable but require follow-up colonoscopy for confirmation. Barriers to colonoscopy occur at patient (anxiety, literacy, language, culture), provider (recommendation, communication), and system (access, cost, policy) levels. Technological advances-high-definition and advanced optics, artificial intelligence, and robotic colonoscopy-enhance detection, safety, and participation, advancing prevention.