Korean J Gastroenterol.  2014 Apr;63(4):201-208. 10.4166/kjg.2014.63.4.201.

Gender-specific Colorectal Cancer: Epidemiologic Difference and Role of Estrogen

• Kim HM
• Kim HS

• KMID: 1791876
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2014.63.4.201

Abstract

Gender difference in the incidence of colorectal cancer is well known and has been supported by various epidemiologic studies. In Korea, women have lower incidence of colorectal cancer and adenoma, and the incidence in men has recently increased. Hormone replacement therapy in menopausal women is preventive of colorectal cancer but can cause cardiovascular diseases and breast cancer. Estrogen exerts diverse effects through estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. ERbeta is associated with anti-proliferation and apoptosis. The ratio of ERalpha/ERbeta is important in the protection and tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer. Therefore ERbeta modulation has been investigated for preventing or treating colorectal cancer and avoiding adverse effects of estrogen at the same time. In addition, the gender-difference in the incidence of colorectal cancer should be taken into account when making guidelines on colorectal surveillance for Korean population.

Keyword

Colorectal neoplasms; Sex; Estrogens; Epidemiology; Hormone replacement therapy

MeSH Terms

Adenoma/diagnosis/epidemiology/mortality
Colorectal Neoplasms/*diagnosis/epidemiology/mortality
Estradiol Dehydrogenases/metabolism
Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
Estrogens/*metabolism
Humans
Sex Factors
Estradiol Dehydrogenases
Estrogen Receptor alpha
Estrogen Receptor beta
Estrogens