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Copyright ©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 21, 2024; 30(3): 211-224
Published online Jan 21, 2024. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i3.211
Why is early detection of colon cancer still not possible in 2023?
Valeria Tonini, Manuel Zanni
Valeria Tonini, Manuel Zanni, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
Author contributions: Tonini V and Zanni M contributed equally to this work; All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Valeria Tonini, MD, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor, Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna 40138, Italy. valeria.tonini@unibo.it
Received: August 31, 2023
Peer-review started: August 31, 2023
First decision: September 26, 2023
Revised: October 30, 2023
Accepted: December 14, 2023
Article in press: December 14, 2023
Published online: January 21, 2024
Processing time: 139 Days and 20.8 Hours
Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a fundamental tool in the prevention and early detection of one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers. Over the years, screening, particularly in those settings where it is well organized, has succeeded in reducing the incidence of colon and rectal cancer and improving the prognosis related to them. Despite considerable advancements in screening technologies and strategies, the effectiveness of CRC screening programs remains less than optimal. This paper examined the multifaceted reasons behind the persistent lack of effectiveness in CRC screening initiatives. Through a critical analysis of current methodologies, technological limitations, patient-related factors, and systemic challenges, we elucidated the complex interplay that hampers the successful reduction of CRC morbidity and mortality rates. While acknowledging the advancements that have improved aspects of screening, we emphasized the necessity of addressing the identified barriers comprehensively. This study aimed to raise awareness of how important CRC screening is in reducing costs for this disease. Screening and early diagnosis are not only important in improving the prognosis of patients with CRC but can lead to an important reduction in the cost of treating a disease that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Spending more sooner can mean saving money later.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Colorectal cancer screening; Colorectal screening test; Colon and rectal cancer

Core Tip: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is a fundamental tool in the prevention and early detection of a prevalent and lethal cancers. Despite advancements in screening, the effectiveness of CRC screening programs remains less than optimal. This paper examined the multifaceted reasons behind the persistent lack of effectiveness in CRC screening initiatives. This study aimed to raise awareness of how CRC screening can reduce costs. Screening and early detection improve the prognosis of patients with CRC and result in an important reduction in the cost of treating advanced disease. Spending more sooner can mean saving money later.