Screening for Colorectal Cancer: The Role of Clinical Laboratories.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality. Screening can result in reductions in incidence and mortality, but there are many challenges to uptake and follow-up. CONTENT Here, we will review the changing epidemiology of CRC, including increasing trends for early and later onset CRC; evidence to support current and emerging screening strategies, including noninvasive stool and blood-based tests; key challenges to ensuring uptake and high-quality screening; and the critical role that clinical laboratories can have in supporting health system and public health efforts to reduce the burden of CRC on the population. SUMMARY: Clinical laboratories have the opportunity to play a seminal role in optimizing early detection and prevention of CRC.