colorectal-cancer

Gastric cancer is declining globally but colorectal cancer is rising—especially in wealthier countries.

GBD 2021 data analysis (1990-2021, 204 countries) found gastric cancer ASIR and ASMR declined globally, especially in high-SDI countries. Colorectal cancer showed rising ASIR and prevalence but declining ASMR. Males had higher burden for both. Projections suggest gastric cancer to continue…

Dan Manning

Dan Manning

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Gastric cancer is declining globally but colorectal cancer is rising—especially in wealthier countries.

Gastric cancer is declining globally but colorectal cancer is rising—especially in wealthier countries.

GBD 2021 data analysis (1990-2021, 204 countries) found gastric cancer ASIR and ASMR declined globally, especially in high-SDI countries. Colorectal cancer showed rising ASIR and prevalence but declining ASMR. Males had higher burden for both. Projections suggest gastric cancer to continue declining while CRC incidence may remain stable or increase through 2050.

Key Findings

  • Gastric cancer ASIR and ASMR declined globally 1990-2021
  • Colorectal cancer ASIR increased but ASMR declined
  • High-SDI countries: higher CRC incidence but lower mortality due to better care
  • Males experience higher burden for both cancers
  • CRC incidence projected to remain stable or increase through 2050

Implications

Prevention strategies differ: gastric cancer calls for H. pylori eradication and screening; CRC demands expanded colonoscopy access and dietary intervention globally.

Caveats

Ecological epidemiological study; abstract-only. GBD estimates involve modeling assumptions. Country-level trends mask within-country variation.

Source: Medicine — 2026-04-10

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