Korean J Med.  2010 Aug;79(2):97-103.

The reasons for the increased incidence of colorectal cancer in Korea

• Koh SJ
• Kim JS

Abstract

The incidence of colorectal cancer in Korea has increased dramatically over the past few decades. According to the National Cancer Registry, the age-standardized incidence rates increased from 27.1 to 44.5 per 100,000 for men and from 17.2 to 24.3 per 100,000 for women between 1999 and 2007. The overall incidence of colorectal cancer increased by 7.0% annually in men and 5.3% in women from 1999 to 2007, while the incidence rates of the most common cancers, such as stomach and liver cancers, decreased during the same period. Epidemiologic studies have suggested that higher intakes of red and processed meat, a lack of physical activity, obesity, and alcohol drinking are risk factors for colorectal cancer. During the past few decades, significant socio-economic changes have taken place in Korea with respect to the economy, industrial structure, dietary habits, physical activity, and prevalence of obesity. Changes in dietary habits and lifestyle-related factors are believed to be the reasons for the increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in Korea.

Keyword

Colon cancer; Incident rate; Dietary habit; Lifestyle

MeSH Terms

Alcohol Drinking
Colonic Neoplasms
Colorectal Neoplasms
Epidemiologic Studies
Female
Food Habits
Humans
Hypogonadism
Incidence
Korea
Life Style
Liver Neoplasms
Male
Meat
Mitochondrial Diseases
Motor Activity
Obesity
Ophthalmoplegia
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Stomach
Hypogonadism
Mitochondrial Diseases
Ophthalmoplegia