Colorectal cancer screening in the UK: A public health intervention of unrealised potential

Robert J.C. Steele; Callum G. Fraser

doi:10.1177/09691413251336579

Colorectal cancer screening in the UK: A public health intervention of unrealised potential

Robert J.C. Steele (Lead / Corresponding author), Callum G. Fraser

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

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Abstract

The United Kingdom was one of the first countries in the world to have a fully rolled out colorectal cancer screening programme and, although the four constituent countries have taken somewhat different approaches, they all commenced with guaiac faecal occult blood testing and have all now transitioned to faecal immunochemical testing. In this Commentary, we trace the development of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, with reference to the other UK programmes, reflect on its successes and shortcomings, and make suggestions for the future.

Original language	English
Number of pages	6
Journal	Journal of Medical Screening
Early online date	21 Apr 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/09691413251336579
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 21 Apr 2025

Keywords

Colorectal cancer
faecal immunochemical testing
screening

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health Policy
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1177/09691413251336579

Author Accepted ManuscriptAccepted author manuscript, 264 KB

Cite this

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abstract = "The United Kingdom was one of the first countries in the world to have a fully rolled out colorectal cancer screening programme and, although the four constituent countries have taken somewhat different approaches, they all commenced with guaiac faecal occult blood testing and have all now transitioned to faecal immunochemical testing. In this Commentary, we trace the development of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, with reference to the other UK programmes, reflect on its successes and shortcomings, and make suggestions for the future.",

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AB - The United Kingdom was one of the first countries in the world to have a fully rolled out colorectal cancer screening programme and, although the four constituent countries have taken somewhat different approaches, they all commenced with guaiac faecal occult blood testing and have all now transitioned to faecal immunochemical testing. In this Commentary, we trace the development of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, with reference to the other UK programmes, reflect on its successes and shortcomings, and make suggestions for the future.

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Colorectal cancer screening in the UK: A public health intervention of unrealised potential

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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