Colorectal Cancer Rates Up, Globally

A newly released study finds colorectal rates among both men and women increased in 27 of the 51 countries studied.

The rise was seen mostly in economically transitioning countries, including those of Eastern Europe, Asia and some nations in South America.

The study, the first to present colorectal cancer incidence trends across five continents, is published in the June issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.

Melissa Center, MPH, an ACS epidemiologist, led the study which looked at data from 51 cancer registries worldwide, along with long-term data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents databases created by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

The increase in colorectal cancer was more prominent in men than women. For instance, in Slovenia, colon cancer rates increased 70 percent among men but only 28 percent among women.

Known and suspected risk factors for colon cancer include - obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, regular alcohol consumption, consuming red/processed meats regularly, lack of fruits and vegetables - these factors are also associated with economic development or adopting a more Western diet, Center said.

Researchers said that colorectal cancer rates in men in Japan, Czech Republic and Slovakia have not only surpassed peak incidences in the U.S., as well as other developed nations, but continues to climb.

Colorectal screening procedures such as colonoscopy have contributed to the decreased incidence rates among both men and women in the U.S., the researchers said.

In an accompanying editorial, Asad Umar and Peter Greenwald of the National Cancer Institute, call the increase “alarming” and say they highlight failed early detection and prevention strategies and failure to address lifestyle and dietary challenges of urbanization that affect most of the globe.”

Despite recommendations for people to seek early detection via colonoscopy and other methods, most disregard the suggestions that help many avoid colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society ranks colorectal cancer second in the U.S., and projects 106,000 new cases and 49,290 deaths in 2009.

A recent study suggests deep sedation, rather than moderate sedation, allows more colon polyps to be found during a colonoscopy. The procedure is used to check for potentially cancerous growths such as polyps, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Polyps are clumps of cells that form on the colon lining that have the potential to eventually become cancerous.

The research was presented this week at Digestive Disease Week 2009 in Chicago. #