Editorial
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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Nov 6, 2013; 4(4): 83-85
Published online Nov 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.83
Barriers to colorectal cancer screening in the developing world: The view from Pakistan
Furqaan Ahmed
Furqaan Ahmed, Department of Gastroenterology, South City Hospital, Karachi 75600, Pakistan
Author contributions: Ahmed F solely contributed to this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Furqaan Ahmed, Department of Gastroenterology, South City Hospital, 128C KDA Scheme 1, Karachi 75600, Pakistan. furqaan@hotmail.com
Telephone: +92-21-300-8259667 Fax: +92-21-32788200
Received: April 2, 2013
Revised: June 6, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: November 6, 2013
Processing time: 215 Days and 19.1 Hours
Abstract

Colorectal cancer screening has become a defining concern of current gastroenterological practice in many Western nations. This same focus does not exist in many developing countries, including Pakistan. There is a need to develop a model for the developing world. Here are several areas that need to be pursued: (1) epidemiological research; (2) physician and public education; (3) training of gastroenterologists, especially female ones; (4) less expensive and more culturally acceptable screening options (fecal occult blood testing); and (5) cost-effectiveness analyses. Gastroenterologists in developing countries need to step up to educate people and promote, where possible and in keeping with local conditions, the prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Colon cancer; Cancer screening; Pakistan; Cancer

Core tip: Gastroenterologists in developing countries need to step up to educate people and promote, where possible and in keeping with local conditions, the prevention and early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.