Open AccessBarriers to colorectal cancer screening in the developing world: The view from Pakistan
Author(s) -
Furqaan Ahmed
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
world journal of gastrointestinal pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2150-5349
DOI - 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.83
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , developing country , colorectal cancer screening , epidemiology , developed country , fecal occult blood , family medicine , public health , occult , cancer , intensive care medicine , alternative medicine , environmental health , colonoscopy , pathology , economic growth , population , economics
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.