Emerging trends in the global burden of colorectal cancer

A comprehensive review published in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology examines the shifting global epidemiology of colorectal cancer, which has historically been concentrated in Western, high-income countries but is now rising worldwide. The authors identify early-onset colorectal cancer, diagnosed before age 50, as the primary driver of this increase. Proposed risk factors include dietary and lifestyle changes, alterations in the gut microbiota, and environmental contaminants. The review highlights a critical gap in current research: the under-representation of non-Western populations in epidemiological studies, which limits understanding of these trends and hampers progress toward effective prevention strategies.