Prevention and Screening of Gastrointestinal Cancers

Objectives

This article reviews the current recommendations and data supporting various screening and prevention strategies for colorectal cancer (CRC) in average and high-risk individuals.

Data Sources

Published research reports, epidemiologic data, and published guidelines from professional organizations.

Conclusion

Properly applied screening tools can potentially decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with CRC.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Nurses need to be aware of current recommendations for the early detection of CRC so they can provide patients with an accurate assessment of risk for developing CRC and education about the appropriate CRC screening guidelines.

Key Words: Colorectal cancer, screening, prevention, risk assessment, colonoscopy