Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Early detection of the disease at an asymptomatic stage by screening holds promise for lowering the incidence of colorectal cancer deaths, yet compliance with screening guidelines is poor. Evidence in support of the use of screening techniques for colorectal cancer is accumulating, however, and screening for this disease with fecal occult blood tests and flexible sigmoidoscopy can increase the likelihood of early detection, can decrease mortality and morbidity, and can be cost effective.