Via practica 6/2023

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common oncological disease. Slovak Republic is one of the countries with the highest incidence of this disease. Screening reduces the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. The most frequently used screening tests are the faecal immunochemical test for occult bleeding and colonoscopy. Most countries with established colorectal cancer screening perform it in persons with average risk, between age 50 – 75 years. The most effective type of screening is population based screening with active invitation of target population. In Slovakia, colorectal cancer screening has been carried out in an programme way for 20 years. Population based screening was launched in 2021. In 2022, we noted a significant increase in the number of faecal occult bleeding tests and preventive colonoscopies.

Keywords: colorectal cancer, screening, fecal immunochemical test, colonoscopy, screening test