Joinpoint analysis of colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia

The aim of this study is to describe the colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia between 2002 and 2019.

In 2020, the Slovakia ranked second among the 10 countries with the highest incidence of colorectal cancer and the highest number of deaths from colorectal cancer (hereafter also referred to as CRC).

To describe the situation of CRC, indicators of incidence and mortality rates stratified by age and sex for the available time period were chosen. A joinpoint regression software was used to identify changes in the trend of development.

During the 18-year follow-up period (2002-2019), the overall trend in colorectal cancer incidence continued to increase with an overall mean annual change of 1.3 %. The incidence of CRC tended to increase from 50 years of age and increased with age. The most pronounced increasing trend was observed in the age group of 75 years and older (AAPC in men 1.9 %, IS +1.4; +2.5 and in women 2.0 %, IS +1.6; +2.4). CRC mortality remained relatively stable for the entire 18-year period. A decreasing trend in mortality was observed in the 25-49 age group with an overall annual percentage decrease of 0.9 % (IS -1.5; -0.3), while an increasing trend was observed in the 75+ age group with an overall annual percentage increase of 1.0 % (IS +0.8; +1.3). The incidence and mortality rates in men were higher than in women.

The situation of colorectal cancer trend in the Slovakia has improved compared to the previous period (1971-2001) (Tab. 4, Fig. 4, Ref. 34).