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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Apr 15, 2012; 4(4): 68-70
Published online Apr 15, 2012. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v4.i4.68
Published online Apr 15, 2012. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v4.i4.68
Increased burden of colorectal cancer in Asia
Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi, Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985711151, Iran
Author contributions: Pourhoseingholi MA designed and wrote the introductory editorial for the Highlight Topic.
Correspondence to: Dr. Mohamad Amin Pourhoseingholi, PhD, Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985711151, Iran. amin_phg@yahoo.com
Telephone: +98-21-22432515 Fax: +98-21-22432517
Received: May 18, 2011
Revised: March 3, 2012
Accepted: March 10, 2012
Published online: April 15, 2012
Revised: March 3, 2012
Accepted: March 10, 2012
Published online: April 15, 2012
Abstract
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) is rising rapidly in Asia. It seems that ethnicity has an important etiological role in CRC in Asia. However the incidence, anatomical distribution and mortality of CRC among Asian populations are not different from those in Western countries. There is little support by health authorities for CRC screening and very low public awareness of this emerging epidemic in Asia. The increasing rate of CRC in Asia means that we need to take action immediately to prevent CRC and to diagnose the disease at the early stages by introducing CRC screening in countries at high risk of an increasing burden of CRC.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer, Burden, Asia