COLON CANCER IN AUSTRALIA
REVIEW RESEARCH ANALYSIS PAPER ON COLON CANCER IN AUSTRALIA
Prisha Singh and Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Published: October/2023
@BreastCancerHub, All Rights Reserved
ABSTRACT
Background: This paper thoroughly analyzes colon cancer in Australia, covering its prevalence, contributing factors, and regional disparities.
Aim: In this study, we aim to analyze and assess various factors related to colon cancer in Australia. These include statistics, screening methods, risk factors, and cultural variations. Our goal is to emphasize the significance of colon cancer as a major health concern in Australia and emphasize the importance of early detection, awareness, and managing modifiable risk factors.
Methods: The paper summarizes statistics and research on colon cancer, including survival rates, risk factors, and regional variations, and emphasizes the importance of screening programs in reducing cancer incidence and mortality.
Introduction: Colon cancer is a significant global health concern characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It is frequently diagnosed in Australia and affects people of all ages and ethnicities. This article highlights the importance of taking preventative measures to minimize the impact of colon cancer on public health.
Cancer is a condition where cells grow and spread uncontrollably in the body. This can happen anywhere, as the human body is composed of trillions of cells. Normally, cells grow and multiply through a process called cell division to form new cells when the body requires them. However, sometimes this process breaks down, and damaged or irregular cells continue to grow and multiply when they shouldn't. This can lead to the development of lumps of tissue known as tumors, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Cancerous tumors can invade neighboring tissues and even spread to other areas of the body to create new tumors, a process referred to as metastasis[.1]
Colon Cancer in Australia
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the colon and can be deadly. The colon plays a critical role in the digestive system by extracting and processing nutrientsfrom food and aiding in the elimination of waste. [1,2] Bowel cancer was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2018 and [2]also was the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2017 overall, with estimated all-age incidence rates of 67.3 per 100,000 in males and 49.4 per 100,000 in females.[3]
Statistics
Colon cancer has a considerable impact in Australia, with approximately 15,610 new cases diagnosed annually, including a concerning 1,680 cases in individuals under 50 years of age. It claims the lives of 5,354 Australians each year, including 290 individuals under the age of 50. It is predicted that by 2030, colon cancer may become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in adults under 50. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on healthcare access and has led to a reduction in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses.[3,2]. According to the statistics, around 15,610 Australians are diagnosed with it every year, including 1,680 under 50. It claims the lives of 5,354 Australians annually, including 290 under 50. [4]. Family history can be a factor and by 2030, it may be the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50. COVID-19-related healthcare reductions have led to fewer diagnoses of CRC and early-stage colorectal cancer.
Stages of Colon Cancer
When colon cancer is detected, tests are performed to determine if cancer cells have spread within the colon or to other parts of the body. Cancer can spread in three ways: from its original location to other parts of the body, through tissue, and the lymph system or blood. The four stages of colon cancer are Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV.[3,3 ]
Survival Rates and Treatment Options
After treatment, colon cancer can reoccur. The 5-year relative survival rate for stage 1 and stage II colon cancer is 90%; the 5-year survival rate for patients diagnosed at stage III is 71%, and stage IV is 14%. The seven standard treatment options are available for colon cancer, including surgery, radiofrequency ablation, cryosurgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. [3,4]
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer, known as risk factors. These include a family history of colon or rectal cancer in a first-degree relative, a personal history of cancer of the colon, rectum, ovary, or high-risk adenomas, inherited changes in certain genes, chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for 8 years or more, consuming three or more alcoholic drinks per day, smoking a pack of cigarettes, and obesity. Symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, stools that are narrower than usual, frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps, unexplained weight loss, feeling very tired, and vomiting.[3,5 ]
Age and Ethnicity
Although colon cancer risk increases with age, it can also affect young adults and teenagers. The average age for diagnosis is 68 for men and 72 for women with colon cancer, and 63 for both genders with rectal cancer. However, 10.7% of Australians diagnosed with bowel cancer are under 50 years old.Colorectal cancer affects individuals of all genders, races, and nationalities. Black people have the highest rates of sporadic colorectal cancer, which is not hereditary, and are more likely to die from colorectal cancer than any other racial group.[5 ]
Regional Variation in Australia
Australia is geographically divided into six regions, namely Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. According to the 2020-2022 timeline, there were 1300 cases of colorectal cancer in Western Australia,[6]approximately 3000 cases in Queensland, [7] 3713 cases in Victoria [8] and 3800 deaths due to bowel cancer in South Australia [9] In New South Wales, there were 4982 newly diagnosed cases of bowel cancer and 1837 deaths. [10] Unfortunately, no statistics were available for the Northern Territory.
[fig1]
Modifiable Lifestyle Factors
Studies have shown that certain lifestyle choices can increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer [11] .Smoking, consuming red or processed meat, leading a sedentary lifestyle, being excessively overweight, and exposure to ionizing radiation have all been linked to higher risks of colorectal cancer [12].On the other hand, consuming dietary fiber, calcium supplements, dairy products, whole grains, and regular aspirin use have been associated with a lower risk of this cancer. Although there are a few exceptions, such as physical exercise, which has been found to significantly decrease colon cancer but not rectal cancer, the risk factors for both types of cancer are largely similar. Recent data suggests that the prevalence of these risk factors has risen in tandem with the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, indicating a possible relationship between the two..[13 14]
[fig2]
Screening and Disparities
Early detection of cancer and precancerous diseases through screening can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality rates of cancer. The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NBCSP) is currently in its advanced stages of implementing a phased approach. By 2020, all individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 will be requested to participate in biennial screening. The current participation rate stands at approximately 41%. [15,16].
Barriers to Early Detection
Late detection of colon cancer can be attributed to various cultural factors, such as health beliefs and stigma, lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, communication and language barriers, reliance on traditional medicine and home remedies, religious or spiritual beliefs, and fear of diagnosis and treatment. A study has found that patients with CRC in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia have a poorer survival rate and experience less optimal clinical management; however, this evidence is limited and at times inconsistent. The study also reveals that patients with CRC in regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia have a poorer survival rate and less optimal clinical management. Access to treatment and services is not always the main driver of disparities, and individual patient characteristics and region also play a role. Further research is needed to analyze treatment completion rates, adherence to follow-up, stomas, psychosocial care, psychological distress, and quality of life. Governments and health service providers must find ways to make best practices available in non-metropolitan areas, targeting specific needs for different populations.[17]
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a significant health concern in Australia, affecting individuals of all ages and ethnicities. Awareness, early detection through screening, and addressing lifestyle factors are crucial in reducing its impact and improving survival rates, particularly in underserved regions. Further research is needed to better understand and address disparities in access to care and outcomes in different populations.
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