Epidemiology of colorectal cancer

Abstract:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a very common cause of cancer morbidity and mortality around the world, with about a million patients diagnosed each year. It is ranked fourth globally whereas in Croatia it ranks second for both genders, after breast cancer in females and lung cancer in males. CRC is slightly more predominant in males than in females. The highest incidence of the disease is found to be in developed countries such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Western European countries and the UK. Research on this topic shows, the difference in incidence of the disease is mostly due to environmental factors, which may be responsible for about 70-80% of CRC cases. The strongest correlation is found for bad dietary and nutritional practices as well as physical inactivity. High dietary fat and plenty of meat in the diet increases the probability for developing of CRC. On the other hand, regular intake of fruits, vegetables and fibers in the diet is found to be protective, with a lower incidence of CRC in such population. Scientists have strived to find a medication that could prevent CRC but with little success. Many substances have been proposed to be a cancer preventive but only calcium and some of the NSAIDs showed some positive effect. However, currently available evidence is not strong enough or sufficient for either dietary calcium or NSAIDs to be recommended for CRC prevention. Colorectal cancer is a worldwide problem which has been acknowledged through many initiatives such as IDCA and The Declaration of Brussels by the European Commission. Many different screening programs which are expected to lower CRC related morbidity and mortality substantially, are launched nationally and globally. Still, primary prevention such a change in dietary and nutritional practices and an increase in physical activity remains the effective way to prevent a substantial number of new CRC cases. 

Key words:
colorectal cancer, incidence, risk factors, morbidity, mortality