"Stool-based test offers a promising solution to reduce the burden of a colonoscopy," experts emphasized on September 21st, during the ICG 19 · Metagenomics for Health (ICG19·MH) & The 2nd MOHA Consortium. The conference was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province of China. The discussions centered on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, with experts sharing perspectives on the CRC burden and real-world case studies from their country and active research on exploring solutions to address the global CRC problem.
One of the key points highlighted was the global challenge of limited access to colonoscopy, the gold standard for CRC screening. Dr. Yang Yun, Deputy General Manager at BGI Genomics, emphasized that "colonoscopy screening can significantly lower the incidence and mortality rates of CRC.
" However, she also pointed out the widespread issue of preparation for the surgery, which limits its effectiveness as a first-line screening method. "One of the most important requirements for colonoscopy is the pass rate of intestinal preparation. The minimum requirement is 85%" she added, "but most of them fail to meet this requirement, whether in my country or other countries around the world.
" Global perspectives on CRC screening obstacles The world faces the same obstacle to CRC screening: lack of colonoscopy medical resources. Dr. Songphol Malakorn from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, spoke about the shortage of medical resources and the complex preoperative preparations that h.