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Characteristics of colorectal cancer among Asian Americans

Matthew Y C Lin1, Wendy Y Liu, Armen Aboulian

  • 1Department of Surgery, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California 90509, USA.

The American Surgeon
|November 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Asian Americans have a higher incidence of advanced, left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC). Flexible sigmoidoscopy may improve screening compliance in this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of mortality among Asian Americans.
  • Characteristics of CRC in Asian American populations remain under-researched.
  • Understanding these characteristics is crucial for targeted screening and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the specific characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Asian American patients.
  • To compare CRC presentation in Asian Americans with other racial groups.
  • To evaluate potential screening modality benefits for Asian Americans.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 414 patients (Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, Whites) at an urban tertiary hospital.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, lesion location (left-sided vs. right-sided), and disease stage at diagnosis.
  • Statistical comparison of CRC characteristics across different racial groups.

Main Results:

  • Asian Americans (84%) predominantly presented with left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) lesions, significantly higher than other races.
  • Stage III disease was the most frequent presentation for Asian Americans, also statistically higher than other groups.
  • Asian Americans showed a trend towards later-stage diagnosis and left-sided lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Asian Americans exhibit distinct colorectal cancer (CRC) characteristics, often presenting with left-sided, advanced-stage disease.
  • Lower screening compliance in Asian Americans may necessitate alternative screening methods.
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy could enhance CRC screening adherence in Asian Americans without compromising detection rates.

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