IARC′s interpretation on methods of colorectal cancer screening

IARC reviews the current screening methods for colorectal cancer including the stool-based tests, endoscopic techniques, CT colonography and evaluates the outcomes with respect to preventive effects, adverse effects comprehensively.For stool-based tests, it is believed that there is sufficient evidence that it reduces the mortality of colorectal cancer but not much evidence that it reduces the incidence.For endoscopic techniques, there is sufficient evidence that it reduces both the disease morbidity and mortality.For CT colonography, there is not much evidence that it reduces either morbidity or mortality of the disease.Shanghai has launched the residents′ colorectal cancer screening program and achieved effective results since the year 2011.However, there is still a great gap between Shanghai and the United States in terms of compliance with endoscopy, so it is necessary to increase the population participation in the program.People over 50 years of age should be encouraged to at least take one colonoscopy annually so as to further reduce the morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer among Shanghai residents.