Prevalence and risk factors of colorectal cancer in Asia

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a substantial public health burden, and it is increasingly affecting populations in Asian countries. The overall prevalence of CRC is reported to be low in Asia when compared with that in Western nations, yet it had the highest number of prevalent cases. This review described the prevalence of CRC in Asia according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer from World Health Organization (WHO) database and summarized its major risk factors. Non-modifiable factors include genetic factors, ethnicity, age, gender, family history and body height; smoking, alcohol drinking, weight, Westernized diet, physical inactivity, chronic diseases and microbiota were involved in environmental factors. These risk factors were separately discussed in this review according to published literature from Asian countries. CRC screening has been playing an important role in reducing its disease burden. Some recommendations on its screening practices have been formulated in guidelines for Asia Pacific countries.

Optimizing the role of general practitioners in organized colorectal cancer screening / 中华全科医师杂志

Organized,population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been implemented in various cities of China in order to control its rising threat.General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role as central coordinators among potential screening participants,service providers and program organizers.However,rates of participation and adherence to CRC screening program remain low,whilst its program performance indicators are increasingly receiving more attention.In this review,we summarize the latest literature focusing on strategies to optimize the role of GPs in different stages of organized CRC screening programs,which could substantially enhance screening efficiency and cost-effectiveness of population-based screening programs.