In which population groups is early colorectal cancer screening recommended?

Early colorectal cancer screening is recommended across various high-risk populations due to their elevated likelihood of developing colorectal cancer compared to the general population.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, especially after 8 years of having the disease. Therefore, early and regular screening in this group is critical for the early detection of potential malignancies.

Individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are also at high risk. FAP is a hereditary condition characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon that have a high likelihood of becoming cancerous. As such, these patients are typically advised to begin screening in their teenage years to monitor for signs of cancer early.

Patients with first-degree relatives who have colorectal cancer have a significantly increased risk themselves, with guidelines suggesting that screening should begin 10 years earlier than the age at which the relative was diagnosed or at age 40, whichever comes first. This proactive approach is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Given that early screening is essential for all these populations to effectively reduce the incidence and mortality associated with colorectal cancer, it is evident why all these groups are included in the recommendation for early colorectal cancer