The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) shows considerable geographical differences around
the world. The highest incidence rates are mainly seen in the Western world including North
America, Australia/New Zealand, Western Europe, and Japan. Development countries report
the lowest incidence rates. In Europe, CRC is the second most common diagnosed cancer in
women and third in men (13% of all cancer cases in both women and men). Incidence rates
are somewhat higher in men (1.2:1.0). The lifetime incidence of CRC in patients at average risk
is approximately five percent. Incidence rates show demographic disparities over the last
decades, with a gradual increase in South/Eastern Europe, stabilising numbers in North and
West Europe, and a declining trend in the United States. Age is a major risk factor for the
development of CRC. CRC rarely develops before the age of 40 (IKC), except in patients with a
genetic predisposition. Incidence rates rapidly increase beyond the age of 50.
In Europe, CRC ranked second (12% of all cancer related mortality) in terms of cancer related
mortality 1, despite the significant increase in five-year survival in the last two decades. This
improvement was in particular due to resection of rectal cancer with sharp dissection of the
mesorectum en bloc with the rectum (total mesorectal excision) combined with pre-operative
radiotherapy, and usage of new chemotherapeutic agents in various combinations. Additionally,
improvement in outcome can be attributed to detection of the disease at an earlier
stage due to screening and surveillance programmes.
http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/19271/Full%20-%20100416_Hol%2C%20Lieke.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment