Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern in all developed countries. Despite decades of advances in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, it remains the second most common cause of cancer death. However, the optimal method for early detection remains unknown and patient compliance with screening recommendations remains poor. This has led to the development of complementary strategies, such as chemoprevention to reduce morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer. Chemoprevention is defined as the use of specific pharmacologic or nutrient agents to prevent, reverse, or inhibit the process of carcinogenesis. This review was designed to discuss the most promising agents in colorectal chemoprevention. Supported by grants from the NIH K07 CA092445, The Cancer Research Prevention Foundation, and The Eleanor Naylor Dana Charitable Trust. Presented at the Colorectal Disease Symposium, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, February 12 to 14, 2005.