Cesare Hassan is a gastroenterologist working in an Endoscopic Centre mainly directed towards colorectal cancer prevention. His main research fields are the appropriateness of colonoscopy in the open-access setting, and the prevention and management of colorectal polyps. He is currently involved in international trials focused on colorectal neoplasia. He has also performed research on the application of new radiological techniques in inflammatory bowel diseases. He is the author of more than 50 papers.

Cesare Hassan and Angelo Zullo
Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, ‘Nuovo Regina Margherita’ Hospital, Rome, Italy

Address for correspondence:
Cesare Hassan, MD
Ospedale Nuovo Regina Margherita
U.O. di Gastroenterologia ed Endoscopia Digestiva
Via Morosini 30, 00153, Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 (0)6 6830 8650
Fax: +39 (0)6 6830 8660
Email: gastroroma@virgilio.it

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause for cancer-related death worldwide. Colonoscopy is a safe procedure which can identify colorectal polyps and early cancers with the highest accuracy, and
efficaciously remove them. Indirect evidence, based on large randomised and observational studies, has clearly shown colonoscopy to reduce mortality from CRC. Colonoscopy appears to be better accepted by the patients, and is more cost-effective when compared with virtual colonoscopy. The detection of flat lesions in a high proportion of patients, even in Western populations, has largely increased after the pioneering of ‘magnifying’ and ‘high-resolution’ endoscopy. The endoscopic identification of such lesions could constitute a crucial advantage over virtual techniques.

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