Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology and Trends

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Over recent decades, the age-standardised incidence of colorectal cancer has risen in many regions, driven in part by westernised diets, sedentary lifestyles and population ageing. Conversely, advances in early detection, screening programmes and multimodal treatments have contributed to declining mortality rates in high-income settings. Notably, a shifting demographic profile is emerging, with growing incidence among adults under 50 years. Geographic variations underscore the influence of socioeconomic development, access to healthcare and implementation of screening strategies. Burden metrics such as disability-adjusted life-years emphasise the sustained impact on health systems globally. Understanding these trends is essential for guiding resource allocation, refining prevention initiatives and tailoring interventions to the needs of diverse populations.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A large-scale analysis of national cancer registry and health survey data has illustrated heterogeneous time trends in colorectal cancer subsites and associated lifestyle factors. Between 2001 and 2013, overall incidence rose most sharply for distal colon cancer, while rectal cancer remained the most commonly diagnosed subsite. Declines in physical activity were observed across all age groups. In men, obesity and alcohol consumption were the predominant contributors to rising incidence; in younger women, smoking emerged as a key risk factor; and processed meat intake was most salient among adults aged 30–49 years. These findings highlight the need for sex- and age-specific prevention strategies that target modifiable behaviours.

Colorectal Cancer Epidemiology and Trends publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in colorectal cancer epidemiology and trends across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Incidence rate: Number of new cases of disease in a population over a specified period, often expressed per 100 000 person-years.

Mortality rate: Number of deaths due to a disease in a population over a specified period, typically per 100 000 person-years.

Age-standardised rate (ASR): A summary measure that adjusts for differences in age distributions between populations, enabling valid comparisons.

Disability-adjusted life-year (DALY): A composite metric combining years of life lost due to premature mortality and years lived with disability, reflecting overall disease burden.

Modifiable risk factor: A behavioural or environmental characteristic that can be altered through individual choices or public health interventions to reduce disease risk.

References

1. The global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer and its attributable risk factors in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2019).
2. Time trends of colorectal cancer incidence and associated lifestyle factors in South Korea. Scientific Reports (2021).
3. Dietary Risk-Related Colorectal Cancer Burden: Estimates From 1990 to 2019. Frontiers in Nutrition (2021).