Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity both in men and in women. However, females over 65 years old show higher mortality and lower 5-year survival rate of colorectal cancer compared to their age-matched male counterparts. The objective of this review is to suggest gender-based innovations to improve colorectal cancer outcomes in females. Women have a higher risk of developing right-sided (proximal) colon cancer than men, which is associated with more aggressive form of neoplasia compared to left-sided (distal) colon cancer. Despite differences in tumor location between women and men, most of scientific researchers do not consider sex specificity for study design and interpretation. Also, colorectal cancer screening guidelines do not distinguish females from male, which may explain the higher frequency of more advanced neoplasia when tumors are first detected and false negative results in colonoscopy in females. Moreover, socio-cultural barriers within females are present to delay screening and diagnosis. Few studies, among studies that included both men and women, have reported sex-specific estimates of dietary risk factors which are crucial to establish cancer prevention guidelines despite sex- and gender-associated differences in nutrient metabolism and dietary practices. Furthermore, anti-cancer drug use for colorectal cancer treatment can cause toxicity to the reproductive system, and gender-specific recurrence and survival rates are reported. Therefore, by understanding sex- and gender-related biological and socio-cultural differences in colorectal cancer risk, gender-specific strategies for screening, treatment and prevention protocols can be established to reduce the mortality and improve the quality of life.

Gastric cancer is associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. To reduce the socioeconomic burden related to gastric cancer, it is very important to identify and manage high risk group for gastric cancer. In this review, we describe the general risk factors for gastric cancer and define high risk group for gastric cancer. We discuss strategies for the effective management of patients for the prevention and early detection of gastric cancer. Atrophic gastritis (AG) and intestinal metaplasia (IM) are the most significant risk factors for gastric cancer. Therefore, the accurate selection of individuals with AG and IM may be a key strategy for the prevention and/or early detection of gastric cancer. Although endoscopic evaluation using enhanced technologies such as narrow band imaging-magnification, the serum pepsinogen test, Helicobacter pylori serology, and trefoil factor 3 have been evaluated, a gold standard method to accurately select individuals with AG and IM has not emerged. In terms of managing patients at high risk of gastric cancer, it remains uncertain whether H. pylori eradication reverses and/or prevents the progression of AG and IM. Although endoscopic surveillance in high risk patients is expected to be beneficial, further prospective studies in large populations are needed to determine the optimal surveillance interval.

Background and Aims Although the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is increasing in Asia, data on long-term epidemiological trends are limited. We performed a 30-year longitudinal study to investigate temporal trends in the epidemiology of Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] in Seoul, Korea. Methods This population-based study included 1431 IBD patients [418 CD, 1013 UC] diagnosed between 1986 and 2015 in the Songpa-Kangdong district of Seoul, Korea. Temporal trends in incidence, prevalence, and disease phenotype at diagnosis were analysed. Results The adjusted mean annual incidence rates of CD and UC per 100 000 inhabitants increased from 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.07) and 0.29 [95% CI, 0.27–0.31], respectively, in 1986–1990 to 2.44 [95% CI, 2.38–2.50] and 5.82 [95% CI, 5.73–5.92], respectively, in 2011–2015. Average annual percentage change in IBD incidence was 12.3% in 1986–1995, 12.3% in 1996–2005, and 3.3% in 2006–2015. The male-to-female ratio of the adjusted incidence rate was 3.3:1 for CD and 1.2:1 for UC. Perianal fistula/abscess was present in 43.3% of patients before or at CD diagnosis. At diagnosis, 54.3% of UC patients presented only with proctitis. The adjusted prevalence rate in 2015 was 31.59/100 000 [95% CI, 31.10–32.07] for CD and 76.66/100 000 [95% CI, 75.91–77.42] for UC. Conclusions The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Korea have continued to increase over the past three decades. Korean patients have distinct demographic and phenotypic characteristics, including a male predominance and high frequency of perianal fistula/abscess in CD and high proportion of proctitis in UC.

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H. pylori eradication may be a preventative strategy for intestinal-type gastric cancer by regression of atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia.