Colorectal cancer

Colorectal (including anal) cancer is the third most common cancer in the world (Figure 1.3). An estimated 1.24 million people worldwide were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008, accounting for 10% of the total.1

There is wide geographical variation in incidence across the world, much of which can be attributed to differences in diet, particularly the consumption of red and processed meat, fibre and alcohol, as well as bodyweight and physical activity2-7 Incidence rates of colorectal cancer are increasing in countries where rates were previously low (especially in Japan, but also in other Asian countries) as diets become more Westernised, and either gradually increasing, stabilising (Northern and Western Europe) or declining (North America) with time.2 In 2008, almost 60% of cases were diagnosed in the developed world.1 

Colorectal cancer incidence worldwide is noticeably higher in men than in women (rate ratio 1.4 : 1.0).1 In both sexes there are ten-fold differences in incidence between the different regions of the world (Figures 4.1 and 4.2).1

Figure 4.1: Colorectal Cancer (C18-C21), World Age-Standardised Incidence and Mortality Rates, Males, Regions of the World, 2008 Estimates

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Figure 4.2: Colorectal Cancer (C18-C21), World Age-Standardised Incidence and Mortality Rates, Females, Regions of the World, 2008 Estimates

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In 2008, male incidence rates ranged from 4 per 100,000 in Middle Africa to 46 per 100,000 in Australia/New Zealand, and female rates ranged from 3 per 100,000 to 33 per 100,000 in the same regions. The countries with the highest incidence rates in 2008 were Slovakia (61 per 100,000), Hungary (56 per 100,000) and the Czech Republic (54 per 100,000) for males, and New Zealand (38 per 100,000), Israel (36 per 100,000), Denmark and Norway (both 34 per 100,000) for females. The UK was 26th highest out of 184 countries worldwide for males and 20th highest for females.1

section updated 19/09/11

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide, estimated to be responsible for almost 610,000 deaths in 2008.1 There is a six-fold variation in male mortality rates between the regions of the world, and a five-fold variation in female rates (Figures 4.1 and 4.2).1 In 2008, mortality rates were highest in Central and Eastern Europe (20 and 12 per 100,000 in males and females, respectively), and lowest in Middle Africa and South-Central Asia (3-4 per 100,000 in both sexes). The UK was joint 47th highest out of 184 countries worldwide for males and 48th highest for females.1

section updated 19/09/11