Core Insights - The latest cancer statistics report from the National Cancer Center indicates that colorectal cancer has risen to the second most prevalent malignant tumor in China, reflecting a significant shift in the disease spectrum [1][2]. Group 1: Disease Prevention and Control - The rapid increase in colorectal cancer cases highlights the complexity and urgency of disease prevention and control, which exceeds general public awareness [2]. - There is a pressing need to find an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable approach to disease prevention amidst a large population, limited quality medical resources, and a need for improved public health awareness [3]. Group 2: Innovative Practices - Harbin City has initiated a three-year free screening project for digestive system tumors and "four high" conditions, aiming to cover 2.4 million people, in collaboration with professional institutions like BGI [4][14]. - This project seeks to establish a comprehensive early risk prevention system for colorectal cancer and other major diseases through innovative practices and government-led initiatives [4][5]. Group 3: Early Detection Challenges - Colorectal cancer is often referred to as a "silent killer" due to its asymptomatic early stages, making early detection crucial for effective treatment [6]. - Public confusion regarding early symptoms often leads to delayed diagnosis, with traditional screening methods like colonoscopy facing challenges in patient compliance and resource availability [7]. Group 4: Non-Invasive Detection Technologies - New non-invasive molecular detection technologies, such as fecal DNA methylation testing, offer advantages in sensitivity, convenience, and public acceptance for early colorectal cancer detection [9][11]. - This technology can effectively identify high-risk individuals and improve the efficiency of subsequent colonoscopy screenings, aligning with the need for a tiered screening strategy [13]. Group 5: Economic and Public Health Benefits - A cost-effectiveness analysis of large-scale screening using fecal DNA methylation testing in Wuhan showed a cost-benefit ratio of 1:8.55, indicating significant social benefits from early detection [19]. - Early detection can drastically reduce treatment costs compared to late-stage colorectal cancer, highlighting the economic advantages of investing in preventive measures [19][20]. Group 6: Community Engagement and Follow-Up - The Harbin project emphasizes community engagement, with a structured follow-up process for residents who test positive, ensuring a "closed-loop" effect in health management [17]. - The initiative has received positive feedback from the community, demonstrating high participation rates and effective health promotion [16].