Colorectal cancer: towards a new era of early detection and personalized medicine
Keywords:
colorectal cancer; screening; early detection; liquid biomarkers; Lynch syndrome; colonoscopyAbstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and represents a significant burden on healthcare systems. This opinion piece analyzes the evolution of early detection strategies, from extending the screening age to 45 years to incorporating liquid biomarkers and advanced molecular techniques. Changes in international guidelines, the role of genetics in risk stratification, and the challenges of implementing effective population-based programs are discussed. The article concludes that optimizing colorectal cancer screening requires a multidimensional approach that integrates technological innovation, health education, and equitable access.
Downloads
References
1. Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74:229-263. DOI: 10.3322/caac.21834
2. Han B, Zheng R, Zeng H, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2022. J Natl Cancer Cent. 2024;4:47-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2024.01.006
3. Yuan Y, Wang X, Chen G, et al. Updates in version 2019 of CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer from version 2018. Chin J Cancer Res. 2019;31:423-425. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2019.03.03
4. Weng S, Yuan Y, Wang X, et al. Updates in version 2020 of CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer from version 2019. Chin J Cancer Res. 2020;32:403-407. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2020.03.11
5. Dong C, Ding Y, Weng S, et al. Update in version 2021 of CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer from version 2020. Chin J Cancer Res. 2021;33:302-307. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2021.03.02
6. Yuan Z, Weng S, Ye C, et al. CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer version 2022: Updates and discussions. Chin J Cancer Res. 2022;34:67-70. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2022.02.01
7. Mi M, Weng S, Xu Z, et al. CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer version 2023: Updates and insights. Chin J Cancer Res. 2023;35:233-238. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2023.03.02
8. Chen L, Hu H, Yuan Y, et al. CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer version 2024: Updates and discussions. Chin J Cancer Res. 2024;36:233-239. DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2024.03.01
9. Organización Mundial de la Salud. Cáncer colorrectal: Hoja informativa. Ginebra: OMS; 2025. Disponible en: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer
10. Yuan Y, Hu H, Dong C, et al. Updates of CSCO guidelines for colorectal cancer version 2025. Chin J Cancer Res. 2025;37(1). DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2025.01.01
11. Asociación Española de Gastroenterología. Prevention of colorectal cancer. AEG. 2020. Disponible en: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7021971/
12. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Colorectal Cancer Screening. Version 2.2025. Disponible en: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/colorectal_screening.pdf
13. Kronberg U. Estrategias de prevención y detección precoz del cáncer de colon y recto en individuos de riesgo promedio y alto riesgo. Rev Méd Clin Las Condes. 2011;22(4):493-498. Disponible en: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0716864011704552
14. Truveta Research. ASCO 2025: Changes in colorectal cancer screening trends. Truveta Blog. 2025. Disponible en: https://www.truveta.com/blog/research/research-insights/colorectal-cancer-screening-trends-2025-asco/
15. Guardant Health. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Updates Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines to Include Shield Blood-Based Screening. Press Release. 2025. Disponible en: https://investors.guardanthealth.com/press-releases/press-releases/2025/National-Comprehensive-Cancer-Network-NCCN-Updates-Colorectal-Cancer-Screening-Guidelines-to-Include-Shield-Blood-Based-Screening/default.aspx
16. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.6238
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos David Boris Miclin
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Those authors who have publications with this journal accept the following terms: The authors will retain their copyright and guarantee the journal the right of first publication of their work, which will be simultaneously subject to the Recognition License. Creative Commons that allows third parties to share the work as long as its author and its first publication in this magazine are indicated. Authors may adopt other non-exclusive license agreements for the distribution of the published version of the work (e.g.: deposit it in an institutional telematic archive or publish it in a monographic volume) as long as the initial publication in this journal is indicated. Authors are allowed and recommended to disseminate their work through the Internet (e.g.: in institutional telematic archives or on your website) before and during the submission process, which can produce interesting exchanges and increase citations of the published work.
