Improved colorectal cancer screening: a new option and opportunity

An important new test for colorectal cancer screening was evaluated by Imperiale et al. and reported in the April 4, 2014 New England Journal of Medicine entitled “Multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal-cancer screening”. This editorial notes the favorable trend in the reduction of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality, and explores the significant issue of suboptimal patient uptake of existing colorectal cancer screening examinations. The findings of the multitarget stool DNA test study are summarized, put into perspective, and the potential interest in this examination is considered. By expanding colorectal cancer screening uptake, the multitarget stool DNA test may further reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.