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Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery
Published on: September 27, 2024
Worldwide variations in colorectal cancer
Melissa M Center1, Ahmedin Jemal, Robert A Smith
1Department of Surveillance and Health Policy Research, American Cancer Society, 250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. melissa.center@cancer.org
CA: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians
|November 10, 2009
Summary
Global colorectal cancer rates vary significantly, with highest incidence in Westernized nations and lowest in Asia, Africa, and South America. Mortality is declining in developed countries but rising in some low-resource regions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- International variations in colorectal cancer (CRC) rates are significant but previous studies used outdated data or limited metrics.
- Understanding current global CRC burden requires updated incidence and mortality data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe worldwide colorectal cancer burden and patterns using the latest available cancer incidence and mortality data.
- To present colorectal cancer incidence rates (1998-2002) and mortality trends.
- To review global colorectal cancer screening initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the most recent colorectal cancer incidence data (1998-2002) from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Cancer Incidence in Five Continents.
- Analyzed age-standardized colorectal cancer mortality rate trends by single calendar year from the World Health Organization mortality database.
- Compiled available information on worldwide colorectal cancer screening programs.
Main Results:
- Highest colorectal cancer incidence rates (1998-2002) were recorded in North America, Oceania, and Europe, linked to Western lifestyle risk factors like obesity.
- Lowest incidence rates were observed in Asia, Africa, and South America.
- Colorectal cancer mortality rates have decreased in many developed nations but are increasing in some low-resource countries in South America and Eastern Europe.
Conclusions:
- Colorectal cancer incidence is highest in Westernized regions, likely due to lifestyle factors.
- Mortality trends show divergence, with declines in developed countries and increases in some low-resource nations.
- International collaboration on targeted screening programs is recommended to reduce the global colorectal cancer burden.
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