Expert Consensus on community-based colorectal cancer screening in China

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy in China, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Early CRC screening has shown efficacy in improving overall prognosis. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to explore and establish customized CRC screening strategies in community settings to improve the general health status and relieve the disease burden. To address these challenges, the National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention convened a panel of experts to develop an expert consensus on community-based CRC screening. Based on a synthesis of relevant domestic and foreign guidelines, the latest research advances and the best available evidence, this consensus aims to define distinct screening groups, streamline the screening process, and establish personalized risk-stratified screening strategies for different risk groups. It covers various aspects, including appropriate screening age, preferred and alternative screening techniques, screening intervals, and the management of screening results. The purpose of this consensus is to provide guidance for standardized early CRC screening and scientific management for residents in community settings.