Colon and rectum cancer in Thailand: an overview.

Cancers of the colon and rectum are rare in developing countries, in contrast to the high incidence rates in countries of Europe, North America, Australia and Japan. Significant differences also exist within continents. Colorectal cancer mortality and incidence rates have decreased in the USA. However, the incidence in Japan and Thailand is rising, probably due to the acquisition of Western lifestyle. Incidence also increases with age: carcinomas are rare before the age of 40 years except in individuals with genetic predisposition or predisposing conditions. The incidence rate of colorectal cancer in Thailand is low when compared with other countries. It is the third in frequency in males after liver and bile duct and lung cancers, and the fifth after cancers of the cervix, breast, liver and bile duct and lung for females. The highest incidence for both sexes is seen in Bangkok. The number of cases of colorectal cancer in both sexes is increasing and will probably exceed that of lung cancer in the next decade. Thus, we are planning to have colorectal cancer screening programme. We should pay more attention on primary and secondary prevention to control colorectal cancer in Asian countries.