Changing Colorectal Cancer Trends in Asians
Whereas the occurrence of colorectal cancer was once seen as infrequent in parts of Asia, the rate in recent decades appears to be steadily increasing. Colorectal cancer represents one of the most important causes of cancer mortality worldwide as well as in many regions in Asia. Rapid changes in socioeconomic and lifestyle habits have been attributed to the notable increase in the incidence of colon and rectal cancers in many Asian countries. Indeed studies of modifiable lifestyle factors have identified several dietary and behavioral risk factors that could be targeted for prevention strategies specifically in Asians. Likewise, significant progress has been made in identifying Asianspecific genetic variants that confer an increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer, although generalizability across diverse Asian populations is still ongoing in various studies. Improvements in early detection and treatment are needed, but given health-care resources and economic development, the best method of implementation remains an active discussion in various countries of Asia. Summarized here is a description of the changes in risk factors for colorectal cancer among Asian populations, and some approaches to screening and early detection that have been considered across various countries in the region.
International Journal of Colorectal Disease, pp. 1-2, 29 March 2016
Bens Pardamean, James W. Baurley, Carissa I. Pardamean, and Jane C. Figueiredo
