Background and Significance

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. The mortality from this disease has improved slightly as a result of several factors, including earlier diagnosis, progress in therapeutic interventions, and, possibly, prevention. However, the impact has not been dramatic. The primary explanation is that our advances in knowledge and technology have not been implemented on a programmatic population basis. This deficiency has resulted from slow and insufficient dissemination of information to health-care professionals and the public, which has produced a relative lack of recognition and interest in this area. However, in the last decade there have been several developments that have catalyzed resurgence in awareness and action in understanding the potential benefit of colorectal cancer screening.