Updated Systematic Review Protocol: Surveillance Colonoscopy and Stage of CRC Detection in IBD

Abstract

Patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s colitis have a well-established increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Surveillance colonoscopy is widely recommended and has been associated with a reduction in CRC-related mortality.(Bye et al., 2017) However, variability in how surveillance is defined and implemented, and whether it leads to earlier cancer detection, remains a key question. This systematic review will focus on the impact of colonoscopic surveillance on the stage of CRC at diagnosis in IBD patients, specifically assessing whether surveillance is associated with early-stage detection. The review aims to shift the discussion from whether surveillance is beneficial to how adherence and strategy can be optimised to prevent late-stage CRC.