Colon cancer. Prevention and screening-update

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent causes of cancer-related diseases and deaths worldwide. Reduction of incidence and mortality is possible by modification of lifestyle factors and the use of screening methods. Colonoscopy is the most effective screening method. In addition to screening the average risk population, it is important to identify persons with an increased colorectal cancer risk as this population group may develop cancer at an earlier age. First-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients should be offered colonoscopy screening starting at an earlier age than the average population. New methods like computed tomography (CT)-colonography, capsule endoscopy, and genetic stool and blood tests show promising results. However, currently these methods cannot be recommended for routine screening.