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Colorectal Cancer Screening in Asia

  • GI Oncology (R Bresalier, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Gastroenterology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing in Asia, especially in regions with higher levels of economic development. Several Asian countries have launched population CRC screening programs to combat this devastating disease because previous studies have demonstrated that either fecal occult blood test or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy can effectively reduce CRC mortality.

Recent Findings

Screening includes engaging the population, testing, administering a confirmation examination, and treating screening-detected neoplasms; thus, monitoring the whole process using measurable indicators over time is of utmost importance. Only when the quality of every step is secured can the effectiveness of CRC screening be maximized. Screening and verification examination rates remain low in Asian countries, and important infrastructure, including cancer or death registry systems, colonoscopy capacity, and reasonable subsidization for screening, is lacking or insufficient.

Summary

Future research should identify potential local barriers to screening. Good communication and dialog among screening organizers, clinicians, professional societies, and public health workers are indispensible for successful screening programs.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the valuable input for regional screening information from professor Hyun-Soo Kim (Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Korea) and professor Yutaka Saito (National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan

    Han-Mo Chiu, Li-Chun Chang & Ming-Hsiang Wu

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu City, Taiwan

    Wen-Feng Hsu

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  1. Han-Mo Chiu
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Correspondence to Han-Mo Chiu.

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Wen-Feng Hsu, Han-Mo Chiu, Li-Chun Chang, and Ming-Shiang Wu declare no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on GI Oncology

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Chiu, HM., Hsu, WF., Chang, LC. et al. Colorectal Cancer Screening in Asia. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 19, 47 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-017-0587-4

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