Download PDF
Clin Colon Rectal Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2760-7678
Review Article

Shared Decision Making in Colorectal Cancer Screening

Authors

  • Jonathan T. Bliggenstorfer

    1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, United States

  • James G. Connolly

    1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, United States

  • Jonathan S. Abelson

    1   Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, United States
Further Information
Also available at
   Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States, yet it is highly preventable through timely screening. This study reviews current CRC screening modalities—including colonoscopy, stool-based tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, and capsule endoscopy—highlighting their respective strengths, limitations, and societal recommendations. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring screening strategies to individual patient risk profiles, including age, family history, comorbidities, and psychosocial factors. These screening modalities are discussed in the context of shared decision making, which is a critical strategy for primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, and colorectal surgeons to guide patients through screening choices, especially in underserved populations facing socioeconomic and cultural barriers.

Keywords

CRC - screening modalities - SDM - risk stratification - EOCRC


Publication History

Article published online:
23 December 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA