Epidemiological transition of colorectal cancer in developing countries: Environmental factors, molecular pathways, and opportunities for prevention

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer and cancer-related mortality worldwide. The disease has been traditionally a major health problem in industrial countries, however the CRC rates are increasing in the developing countries that are undergoing economic growth. Several environmental risk factors, mainly changes in diet and life style, have been suggested to underlie the rise of CRC in these populations. Diet and lifestyle impinge on nuclear receptors, on the intestinal microbiota and on crucial molecular pathways that are implicated in intestinal carcinogenesis. In this respect, the epidemiological transition in several regions of the world offers a unique opportunity to better understand CRC carcinogenesis by studying the disease phenotypes and their environmental and molecular associations in different populations. The data from these studies may have important implications for the global prevention and treatment of CRC.

Mortality Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Brazil From 1980 to 2013

“…Trend studies conducted worldwide have indicated a reduction in CRC mortality rates in most developed countries; however, in developing countries, this same trend has not been observed. Moreover, when the trends were analyzed by age and sex, different patterns were observed (1,2,24,25) . Reduction in mortality is one of the main objectives of interventions based on screening and treatment; therefore, studies can be useful in evaluating the policies and programs aimed at monitoring cancer care as well as the changes in outcomes due to population lifestyle, environmental risks and the effectiveness of the health care system (25) .…”

Análise do perfil epidemiológico e sobrevida de pacientes com câncer colorretal em um hospital universitário de 2000 a 2010

“…Este aumento na incidência se reflete em um aumento na demanda dos cuidados com os pacientes para a detecção, o estadiamento e as intervenções terapêuticas, como cirurgia, quimioterapia e radioterapia (BISHEHSARI et al, 2014).…”

Obesity and Cancer: What’s the Interconnection?

“…Colorectal cancer: Substantial evidence is established that the incidence of colon and rectum cancers in developed or industrial countries is almost ten times higher than reported in developing countries, which clearly indicates a close relation of ecological and nutritional factors with cancer incidence [21]. Nutritional behavior reflects social and economic life directly, thereby making nutritional variations responsible for a considerable difference in the incidence rates between developing countries and industrially advanced countries [22].…”