Colorectal cancer screening challenges in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive review article

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Saudi Arabia and usually presents late in patients, who become symptomatic in advanced stages; thus, most cases of CRC in Saudi Arabia have poor outcomes. Saudi Arabia currently follows published guidelines and recommends screening for CRC because early diagnosis is critical; the Saudi Arabian healthcare system runs a program “Colorecal Cancer Early Detection” that has been rolled out in a gradual fashion. A screening program would aim to find individuals with asymptomatic CRC, educate patients, and streamline the process of screening for medium- and high-risk people. Currently, the Saudi Arabian population present minimal knowledge regarding CRC, the benefits of screening, and the importance of regular screening. The Saudi population is heavily dependent on physician recommendations for CRC screening, but physicians working in primary healthcare rarely recommend screening for CRC even in patients who have risk factors. The screening program for CRC in Saudi Arabia is cost effective. Public education is necessary along with expanded colonoscopy resources to continue enhance citizen participation and overcome the barriers of CRC screening such as physician recommendation and female gender low participation.