Epidemiology of colorectal cancer: incidence, mortality, survival, and risk factors

Abstract

According to GLOBOCAN 2018 data, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most deadly and fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Nearly 2 million new cases and about 1 million deaths are expected in 2018. CRC incidence has been steadily rising worldwide, especially in developing countries that are adopting the "western" way of life. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, red meat consumption, alcohol, and tobacco are considered the driving factors behind the growth of CRC. However, recent advances in early detection screenings and treatment options have reduced CRC mortality in developed nations, even in the face of growing incidence. Genetic testing and better family history documentation can enable those with a hereditary predisposition for the neoplasm to take preventive measures. Meanwhile, the general population can reduce their risk by lowering their red meat, alcohol, and tobacco consumption and raising their consumption of fibre, wholesome foods, and certain vitamins and minerals.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; epidemiology; incidence; risk factors.

Figure 1

Map showing estimated age-standardised incidence rates (world) in 2018, colorectum, both sexes, all ages (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/ [10])

Figure 2

Bar chart showing age-standardised (world) incidence rates, colorectal cancer, by sex in 2018 on left side and age standardised (world) incidence and mortality rates, colorectal cancer in 2018 on right side (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/ [11])

Figure 3

Bar chart showing country-specific age-standardised (world) incidence rates, colorectal cancer, by sex in 2018 (source http://globocan.iarc.fr/ [10])

Figure 4

Map showing estimated age-standardised mortality rates (world) in 2018, colorectum, both sexes, all ages (reproduced from http://globocan.iarc.fr/ [10])

Figure 5

Bar chart showing country specific age-standardised (world) mortality rates, colorectal cancer, by sex in 2018 (source http://globocan.iarc.fr/ [10])

Figure 6

Colorectal cancer long-term trends in SEER incidence rates, 1975–2015 by age [16]

Figure 7

Trends in colorectal cancer incidence (1975–2015) and mortality (1975–2015) rates by age and sex, US [16]

Figure 8

Colon and rectum cancer 5-year SEER relative survival rates, 2008–2014 by stage at diagnosis and race/ethnicity [16]

Figure 9

Colon and rectum cancer long-term trends in SEER incidence rates, 1975–2015 by race/ethnicity [16]