Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies

BackgroundColorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancer types worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that high body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, particularly among the older adult population. This comprehensive analysis aims to explore the co...

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Main Authors: Ke‐Jie He, Zhejun Liu, Guoyu Gong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-02-01
Series:Frontiers in Oncology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1487103/full
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author Ke‐Jie He
Zhejun Liu
Guoyu Gong
author_facet Ke‐Jie He
Zhejun Liu
Guoyu Gong
author_sort Ke‐Jie He
collection DOAJ
description BackgroundColorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancer types worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that high body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, particularly among the older adult population. This comprehensive analysis aims to explore the complex epidemiological patterns of colorectal cancer, with a focus on the association between high BMI and disease burden in the older adult.MethodsThe study leveraged data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study to examine the temporal trends, regional disparities, and the interplay of age, period, and cohort factors in shaping the global colorectal cancer landscape. Epidemiological techniques, including age-period-cohort modeling and joinpoint regression analysis, were employed to provide insights into the potential drivers of the evolving disease burden while controlling for relevant confounding factors.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant geographical disparities in the burden of colorectal cancer among the older adult population. Countries like Uruguay, Monaco, Croatia, Hungary, and Poland exhibited higher mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates, while regions like Bangladesh, Nepal, and much of Africa had relatively lower disease burden. These regional differences are likely attributable to variations in healthcare systems, access to screening and early detection programs, as well as differences in lifestyle behaviors and risk factor prevalence.ConclusionThe strong association between high BMI and colorectal cancer risk, particularly in the older adult population and among men, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive obesity management strategies as part of comprehensive cancer control efforts. Targeted interventions, such as community-based weight management programs and enhanced screening initiatives in high-risk regions, could help mitigate the disproportionate burden of colorectal cancer observed in countries like Monaco, Croatia, and Hungary. Ongoing research and multifaceted public health interventions are crucial to address the growing global burden of colorectal cancer and mitigate the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality cancer care, and promoting lifestyle modifications to reduce obesity and other modifiable risk factors should be prioritized to effectively combat this pressing public health challenge.
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spelling doaj-art-6fbed982ddfb4bcaac71906d5326be492025-02-04T05:27:56ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Oncology2234-943X2025-02-011510.3389/fonc.2025.14871031487103Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategiesKe‐Jie He0Zhejun Liu1Guoyu Gong2The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaThe Seventh Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, ChinaSchool of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, ChinaBackgroundColorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancer types worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that high body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, particularly among the older adult population. This comprehensive analysis aims to explore the complex epidemiological patterns of colorectal cancer, with a focus on the association between high BMI and disease burden in the older adult.MethodsThe study leveraged data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study to examine the temporal trends, regional disparities, and the interplay of age, period, and cohort factors in shaping the global colorectal cancer landscape. Epidemiological techniques, including age-period-cohort modeling and joinpoint regression analysis, were employed to provide insights into the potential drivers of the evolving disease burden while controlling for relevant confounding factors.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant geographical disparities in the burden of colorectal cancer among the older adult population. Countries like Uruguay, Monaco, Croatia, Hungary, and Poland exhibited higher mortality and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates, while regions like Bangladesh, Nepal, and much of Africa had relatively lower disease burden. These regional differences are likely attributable to variations in healthcare systems, access to screening and early detection programs, as well as differences in lifestyle behaviors and risk factor prevalence.ConclusionThe strong association between high BMI and colorectal cancer risk, particularly in the older adult population and among men, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive obesity management strategies as part of comprehensive cancer control efforts. Targeted interventions, such as community-based weight management programs and enhanced screening initiatives in high-risk regions, could help mitigate the disproportionate burden of colorectal cancer observed in countries like Monaco, Croatia, and Hungary. Ongoing research and multifaceted public health interventions are crucial to address the growing global burden of colorectal cancer and mitigate the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality cancer care, and promoting lifestyle modifications to reduce obesity and other modifiable risk factors should be prioritized to effectively combat this pressing public health challenge.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1487103/fullcolorectal cancerobesityepidemiologysocioeconomic disparitiesgender differencesolder adult population
spellingShingle Ke‐Jie He
Zhejun Liu
Guoyu Gong
Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
Frontiers in Oncology
colorectal cancer
obesity
epidemiology
socioeconomic disparities
gender differences
older adult population
title Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
title_full Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
title_fullStr Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
title_full_unstemmed Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
title_short Addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult: examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
title_sort addressing the rising colorectal cancer burden in the older adult examining modifiable risk and protective factors for comprehensive prevention strategies
topic colorectal cancer
obesity
epidemiology
socioeconomic disparities
gender differences
older adult population
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1487103/full
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AT zhejunliu addressingtherisingcolorectalcancerburdenintheolderadultexaminingmodifiableriskandprotectivefactorsforcomprehensivepreventionstrategies
AT guoyugong addressingtherisingcolorectalcancerburdenintheolderadultexaminingmodifiableriskandprotectivefactorsforcomprehensivepreventionstrategies