Colorectal Cancer Prevention: In Search of Risk Factors and Increased Effectiveness of Surveillance Programs

Abstract

The increasing incidence of large-bowel cancer in Western countries (1) has challenged both health authorities and scientists to intensify their efforts for colorectal cancer prevention. Even though this field of science is expanding, the clinical outcome so far is limited. This report is an attempt to focus on the possibilities for an early diagnosis of colorectal cancer through screening programs or definition of high-risk individuals, on the basis of our present limited knowledge.