Colorectal Cancer: Current Updates and Future Perspectives

Colorectal cancer is a frequent neoplasm in western countries, mainly due to dietary and 11 behavioral factors. Its incidence is growing in developing countries for the westernization of foods 12 and lifestyles. An increased incidence rate is observed in patients under 45 years of age. In last years 13 the mortality for CRC is decreased, but this trend is slowing. The mortality rate is reducing in those 14 countries where prevention and treatments have been implemented. The survival is increased to 15 over 65%. This trend reflects earlier detection of CRC through routine clinical examina- 16 tions and screening, more accurate staging through advances in imaging, improvements 17 in surgical techniques and advances in chemotherapy and radiation. The most important 18 predictor of survival is the stage at diagnosis. The screening programs are able to reduce 19 incidence and mortality rates of CRC. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive 20 overview of incidence, mortality and survival rate for CRC