Biomarkers to Detect Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The high incidence and the acceleration of incidence in younger people reinforces the need for better techniques of early detection. The use of noninvasive biomarkers has potential to more accurately inform how patients are prioritised for clinical investigation, which, in turn, may ultimately translate into improved survival for those subsequently found to have curable-stage CRC. This review surveys a wide range of CRC biomarkers that may (alone or in combination) identify symptomatic patients presenting in primary care who should be progressed for clinical investigation.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for better early detection techniques. The use of noninvasive biomarkers can accurately determine which patients should undergo clinical investigation, ultimately improving the survival rate of those with curable-stage colorectal cancer.