An evaluation of current methods of diagnosing colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom

The use of a multi-phasic screening programme consisting of faecal occult blood tests (FOBt) and a whole bowel examination is considered to be the most effective diagnostic tools. However, preventative schemes, such as better education of the risks and symptoms of CRC, supported by the NHS Cancer Plan (2000), have demonstrated to be a vital adjunct to CRC screening to reduce the incidence and mortality of the disease.