Incidence and Mortality of Colorectal Cancer in Asia in 2022 and Projections for 2050

Background

Colorectal cancer is an escalating public health concern in Asia, characterized by unique epidemiological patterns.

Methods

We analyzed colorectal cancer data from 47 Asian countries using GLOBOCAN 2022. Spearman's correlation assessed the relationship between the Human Development Index and cancer rates. Projections for 2050 incidence and mortality were based on demographic forecasts.

Results

In 2022, Asia accounted for 50.2% of global colorectal cancer cases, with 966.4 thousand new cases and 462.3 thousand deaths, including 10% in younger individuals. Age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality were 15.6/100 000 and 7.1/100 000, respectively. Incidence rates were rising faster in younger and male individuals. A significant correlation was found between the Human Development Index and cancer rates. Japan had the highest incidence rate (45.5/100 000 males; 28.5/100 000 females), and Brunei Darussalam had the highest mortality rate (21/100 000 males; 13.9/100 000 females). China recorded the highest incidence and mortality counts, with 307.7 thousand new cases and 142.6 thousand deaths in males, and 209.4 thousand new cases and 97.4 thousand deaths in females. By 2050, 1.87 million new cases and 1.01 million deaths are expected to occur in Asia, with the largest relative increases occurring in low HDI countries.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for targeted policies in low HDI countries, focusing on public awareness, early detection, prevention, and improving healthcare infrastructure. Interventions for younger individuals and males are also essential to address rising incidence rates.