Improving Noninvasive Colorectal Cancer Screening

Abstract

Noninvasive colorectal cancer screening commenced historically with the use of guaiac-based tests that require the addition of hydrogen peroxide to oxidize the presence of substances such as blood in stool. Large, randomized, controlled trials of these tests in a screened population showed the detection of earlier-stage cancers that could be curable, a reduction in mortality from colorectal cancer, and durability in the avoidance of colorectal cancer in persons who completed colonoscopy with polypectomy after a positive test.1 These benefits from guaiac-based screening were present despite the poor sensitivity of such tests, the requirement for diet alteration before test completion for . . .

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