Colorectal cancer screening: an overview of current trends

Colorectal cancer can be cured and, in some cases, even prevented if detected early through screening. Studies have demonstrated that regular screening for colorectal cancer with fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy, or colonoscopy can reduce mortality from this disease. Unfortunately, rates of participation in these screening tests are unacceptably low among the U.S. population. Nurses have a significant role to play in assisting individuals to incorporate regular colorectal cancer screening into their health maintenance routines.