Overview of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States

Abstract

Because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, the disease meets the requirements of the World Health Organization for screening. In most instances, development of adenocarcinoma is preceded by a noninvasive adenomatous (dysplastic) phase that can be identified endoscopically or radiographically at the time of screening. Currently, four screening tests are in use: the fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, the double contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. A significant impediment to optimal screening is a low rate of use in the general population despite evidence that colorectal cancer is preventable and curable when detected early.

Key Words:

• Colorectal cancer
• screening
• adenomatous polyps