Published on March 6, 2010 at 12:55 AM
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China is lower than that in the west countries, but has increased in recent years and become a substantial cancer burden in China, particularly in the more developed areas. Some studies have reported changes in the characteristics of CRC in China. However, due to a lack of an effective nation-wide surveillance system, there has been little information available on the relationship between CRC and geographical environment and economic status in China.
A research article published on February 28, 2010 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team from China reported the characteristics of CRC between five hospitals located in four different areas in Guangdong.
They found that the mean age of CRC in the four areas increased, the lowest mean age was seen in North Guangdong and the highest mean age in East Guangdong. There is also a significant difference in anatomic distribution, histological type and differentiation type in the four areas.
Their data will benefit the study on prevention and treatment of CRC. Further studies are needed to assess more recent trend in the incidence and prevalence of CRC as well as the respective roles of genetic and environmental factors in CRC.
Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology