Global colorectal cancer burden in 2020 and projections to 2040

Highlights

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  There are estimated 1.93 million new CRC cases diagnosed, and 0.94 million CRC caused deaths in 2020 worldwide.

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  The global new CRC cases is predicted to reach 3.2 million in 2040.

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  China and the United States have the highest estimated number of new CRC cases in the next 20 years.

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  The number of new CRC cases is increased from 0.56 million (2020) to 0.91 million (2040) in China.

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  The number of new CRC cases is increased from 0.16 million (2020) to 0.21 million (2040) in the United States.

Abstract

As the third most common malignancy and the second most deadly cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) induces estimated 1.9 million incidence cases and 0.9 million deaths worldwide in 2020. The incidence of CRC is higher in highly developed countries, and it is increasing in middle- and low-income countries due to westernization. Moreover, a rising incidence of early-onset CRC is also emerging. The large number of CRC cases poses a growing global public health challenge. Raising awareness of CRC is important to promote healthy lifestyle choices, novel strategies for CRC management, and implementation of global screening programs, which are critical to reducing CRC morbidity and mortality in the future. CRC is a heterogeneous disease, and its subtype affiliation influences prognosis and therapeutic response. An accurate CRC subtype classification system is of great significance for basic research and clinical outcome. Here, we present the global epidemiology of CRC in 2020 and projections for 2040, review the major CRC subtypes to better understand CRC molecular basis, and summarize current risk factors, prevention, and screening strategies for CRC.

Graphical abstract