Colorectal cancer (CRC), which affects the colon and rectum, is emerging as an important public health concern worldwide. Although traditionally considered more common in Western countries, cases are increasingly being reported in developing nations, including India. Unfortunately, many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages because early symptoms are often ignored or misunderstood.

Timely awareness, lifestyle modification, and appropriate screening can help reduce disease burden. A major international study published recently in The Lancet has now provided important insights into what colonoscopy screening can — and cannot — achieve in preventing colorectal cancer.What Was the Study About?The study, known as the NordiCC trial, followed more than 84,000 men and women aged 55 to 64 years from several European countries over a period of 13 years. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group was invited for a one-time colonoscopy screening, while the other group did not undergo screening.

Colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a flexible camera is used to examine the inner lining of the colon and rectum. It can help detect cancer early and also identify precancerous polyps that may later develop into cancer.Researchers aimed to determine whether a single colonoscopy could reduce both the occurrence of colorectal cancer and deaths caused by the........

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