Colorectal Cancer after Colonoscopy: Causes and Prevention Strategies
10.3904/kjm.2025.100.1.19
- Author:
Seongwoo CHOI
1
;
Yunho JUNG
Author Information
1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital Cheonan, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
- Publication Type:17
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2025;100(1):19-25
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer ranks second in incidence and third in cancer-related mortality in Korea, and screening colonoscopies are being used more frequently to facilitate early detection and treatment. Some cancers are diagnosed after colonoscopy but before the recommended surveillance interval: this is referred to as post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC). A recent meta-analysis revealed that interval cancers occur in 8.2% of cases, with proximal PCCRC accounting for 9.7% and distal PCCRC for 5.4%. The primary causes of PCCRC include inadequate bowel preparation, missed lesions, incomplete resection, and development of new lesions. Ensuring high-quality endoscopic procedures and achieving complete resection will be critical to addressing these causes and preventing PCCRC.