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; Therapeutic modalities; Technical challenges

Core Tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening holds immense significance in facilitating early detection, mitigating mortality rates, and bolstering the likelihood of favorable outcomes through less-intrusive therapeutic interventions. However, the landscape of CRC screening is fraught with diverse challenges, ranging from the intricacies of both noninvasive and invasive diagnostic modalities to socioeconomic impediments and the disruptive influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which has noticeably attenuated screening frequencies. The emergence of early-onset CRC further compounds these challenges, necessitating tailored screening approaches. In the future, advancements in artificial intelligence and gene sequencing technologies harbor the promise of profoundly transforming CRC screening paradigms, potentially increasing their efficacy and accessibility. Forging global health collaborations will be pivotal in propelling the future of CRC prevention and treatment.