Site-Specific Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in a Korean Population
2011

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in Korea

Sample size: 1265227 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Shin Aesun, Joo Jungnam, Bak Jeongin, Yang Hye-Ryung, Kim Jeongseon, Park Sohee, Nam Byung-Ho

Primary Institution: National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea

Hypothesis

We investigated the association of colorectal cancer risk factors with different colorectal cancer subsites to assess etiological differences for cancers of the proximal colon, distal colon, and rectum.

Conclusion

The study found that risk factors for colorectal cancer differ by subsites of the colon and rectum, as well as by sex.

Supporting Evidence

  • Greater height was associated with elevated risk for distal colon cancer and rectal cancer in both men and women.
  • Family history of cancer was associated with higher risk for cancers of the proximal colon in men and distal colon in both men and women.
  • Frequent alcohol consumption was linked to higher risk for distal colon cancer in men and rectal cancer in women.
  • Frequent meat consumption was associated with risk for proximal colon cancer in men and rectal cancer in women.

Takeaway

This study looked at what things might make people more likely to get different types of colorectal cancer, and found that these things can be different for men and women.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from health examinations and cancer registries, including questionnaires on lifestyle factors and medical history.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to reliance on self-reported data and lack of detailed molecular classification of tumors.

Limitations

Limited information on dietary risk factors and non-dietary factors such as drug use.

Participant Demographics

Men and women aged 30 to 80 years, with a total of 869,725 men and 395,501 women.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 1.1, 1.7

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023196

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