Modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer development: A literature review

Abstract

Relevance: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer worldwide. CRC incidence has increased in Kazakhstan, as in many other countries in the past decade. Therefore, it is important to identify risk factors contributing to this pathological process to develop primary prevention programs at regional and national levels.
The study aimed to investigate modifiable risk factors for the development of colorectal cancer.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, eLibrary, CyberLeninka, and Google Scholar. The study included reports of randomized and cohort studies conducted on large populations, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and original full-text articles in English and Russian, available in open access and containing statistically validated conclusions. Exclusion criteria encompassed brief reports, newspaper articles, and personal communications. The search depth covered ten years (2012-2022).
Results: Published data reflect the significant influence on the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) of modifiable risk factors such as dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Conclusion: CRC is a polyetiological disease that arises under the influence of both internal and external factors. However, only 25-30% of CRC cases are associated with non-modifiable risk factors, such as genetic factors, personal history of polyps, and inflammatory bowel diseases. 70-75% of CRC cases occur sporadically and are linked to modifiable risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and obesity.