The rates of colorectal cancer are increasing worldwide

The rates of colorectal cancer have grown between 1983 and 2002, in 27 of 51 countries, mostly in economically transitioning countries including Eastern European countries, most parts of Asia, and some countries of South America. Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in women and the fourth most common cancer in men.

American Cancer Society epidemiologist Melissa Center, MPH, led a new study in which she reviewed the data of colorectal cancer from 51 cancer registries worldwide and that of Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) databases created by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The past 20 years made the study for the researchers: 1983-87 through 1998-2002.

The results showed that colorectal incidence has increased mostly in men, in some countries being dramatic: for instance, in Slovenia, colorectal cancer incidence increased 70 percent among men and 28 percent among women; in Miyagi, Japan, rates rose 92 percent among men and 47 percent among women.

Within countries such as Japan, Israel, and Singapore, researchers observed substantial regional and ethnic variations in colorectal cancer incidence trends. Only in the United states the rates declined for both men and women.

Westernization is considered the main factor for this increase in the colorectal rates, because this trend brought with it obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red or processed meats, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables. In some countries like Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Japan, the rates went beyond those registered in the United States and are still rising.

“This increase points toward a failed early detection and prevention strategy as well as failure to address lifestyle and dietary challenges of urbanization that affect most of the globe.”, said Asad Umar and Peter Greenwald of the Division of Cancer Prevention of the National Cancer Institute in an editorial.