Innovations in population screening

Abstract Population screening for colorectal cancer has undergone a series of innovations in the last decade with an expansion of screening options available, and new technologies applicable at a population level. Testing for blood in stool has been the mainstay for many programmes, with a strong move to faecal immunochemical testing, and the possibility to add other biomarkers such as stool DNA or microbiome to enhance test performance. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy have been enhanced by additional devices, and especially the use of artificial intelligence computer-aided detection. Less invasive tests including CT colonography, colon capsule endoscopy, and blood-based biomarkers, for example SEPT9 and cell-free DNA techniques may make screening acceptable to a wider variety of patients.