Korean J Med.  2013 Dec;85(6):559-562.

Association Between Colon Diverticulosis and Development of Colorectal Cancer

• Kim TO

Abstract

The prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and diverticular disease has increased in recent years. Both have common risk factors such as age and a lack of dietary fiber. A causal relationship between diverticulosis and CRC has been suggested in different studies. Despite common epidemiological trends and risk factors, there are conflicting data concerning the association between diverticular disease and CRC. Such discrepancy could be referred to the highly heterogeneous study design and setting in the diff erent epidemiologic series. Unravelling the dilemma seems to be clinically relevant, because a different screening and/or surveillance protocol for CRC could be scheduled in patients with diverticula. The present review aimed to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the available data.

Keyword

Diverticulosis; Colorectal cancer; Colon polyp

MeSH Terms

Colon*
Colorectal Neoplasms*
Dietary Fiber
Diverticulum*
Humans
Mass Screening
Prevalence
Risk Factors