**1. Introduction**

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24 Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer Screening - Future Directions

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. However timely screening and treatment can dramatically impact outcomes. The association with well-defined precancerous lesions and long asymptomatic period provides the oppor‐ tunity for effective screening and early treatment of CRC. The current options for CRC screening are strongly anchored in evidence demonstrating utility in reducing morbidity and mortality. This chapter will review the epidemiology of CRC, risk stratification, strat‐ egies for screening, as well as factors that threaten achieving health equity through appro‐ priate screening programs.
