Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor with the third and second highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide, and its mortality rate is increasing annually. Colorectal cancer evolves gradually over a long period of time. The evolving process from colorectal adenoma to colorectal cancer takes approximately 10-15 years, providing a sufficiently long "window period" for early screening and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The recurrence and mortality rates can be controlled at a low level with an early intervention. Metaxas et al sum-marized existing screening methods and their applicable scope in a recent publication. Moreover, they provide suggestions on how to improve adherence. This editorial provides a commentary on their article and discuss the roles of different screening methods in the early screening of colorectal cancer.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Early screening of tumors; Non-invasive liquid tissue biopsy; Research progress.
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