abstract
- Colorectal cancer is a prevalent, deadly disease of the elderly. It is typically asymptomatic until advanced, and then responds poorly to treatment. Asymptomatic precursor lesions may afford both an opportunity to study carcinogenesis and to intervene and prevent cancer deaths. Prevention strategies focus on either primary prevention of polyps and cancers (mainly through dietary measures) and secondary detection and removal of precursor polyps and early cancers. Despite shortcomings in both strategies, dietary recommendations and screening tests for select patients may play an important role in reducing mortality.