According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide. In 2020, there were more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer. And the total global colorectal cancer mortality in 2020 was over 0.9 million.
In particular, colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, and scientists are working to understand the reasons behind this increase. A study published by the American Cancer Society projected that in 2023, around 13 percent of colorectal cancer cases in the United States would occur in people under the age of 50, representing a 9 percent increase since 2020. These cancers diagnosed in younger individuals also tend to be more aggressive.
The exact reasons for the rising cases among younger people are not fully understood. Factors such as increasing rates of obesity and binge drinking have been suggested as possible contributors.
Colorectal cancers in young people tend to be more aggressive, potentially because they are often diagnosed at later stages. Due to its early stages often being asymptomatic, colorectal cancer is referred to as the "silent killer." However, once it progresses to advanced stages, the difficulty and risks of treatment significantly increase. According to statistics, the five-year survival rate for early-stage colorectal cancer can reach 90%. Unfortunately, only about 40% of cases are discovered early enough for treatment, with the majority of colorectal cancer cases being diagnosed at later stages.
BGI Group has been working on proactive approaches to understanding and diagnosing colorectal cancer. In April 2023, BGI Genomics, a subsidiary of BGI Group, launched the first-ever global colorectal cancer awareness report covering 1,817 respondents from the U.K, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, to better understand the global state of colorectal cancer awareness, as well as attitudes and actions towards colorectal cancer screening for average risk groups and colorectal cancer screening for hereditary genetic risk groups.
The study found that 51.6% feel that there is insufficient information about colorectal cancer. 54.1% never had a colorectal cancer test. And 88.8% are more willing to go for screening after learning that early detection of colorectal cancer results in a survival rate as high as 90%.
Increasing the awareness of colorectal cancer is the first step to lowering your risk of colorectal cancer. Here are several steps to consider in daily life:
1. Know your family medical history and discuss it with your relatives.
2. Follow a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing processed and red meats.
3. Quit smoking to reduce the risk of cancer.
4. Stay physically active by engaging in regular exercise.
5. Limit alcohol consumption to recommended levels.
6. Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise.
7. Undergo regular screenings, such as colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, as recommended by your doctor.
Early screenings are particularly important for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic predispositions, or inflammatory bowel disease. Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard tool for colorectal cancer screening, there are several limitations to its use in the general population such as being expensive and lower adherence due to its invasive procedure.
Fecal DNA testing is a non-invasive method to detect colorectal cancer. It looks for abnormal changes in the DNA called DNA methylation, which is associated with cancer development. By analyzing stool samples, this test can identify these abnormal changes and indicate the presence of colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous growths.
BGI COLOTECT™ 1.0 is a non-invasive fecal DNA test that traces abnormal DNA-methylation biomarkers in colorectal cancer from fecal samples. In the clinical validation of the COLOTECT™ 1.0 assay, its sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancers is 88%, and its specificity for identifying subjects without advanced colorectal neoplasm is 92%. Additionally, COLOTECT™ 1.0 has a sensitivity rate of 46% for detecting advanced adenoma cases. It is more convenient than invasive procedures. Healthcare professionals can help determine if fecal DNA testing is suitable based on individual risk factors and preferences.
BGI also turns to public welfare projects as more precise and effective prevention of colorectal cancer. In May 2023, BGI Genomics supported a public welfare colorectal cancer screening project in Beijing. The project offers free screening services to a lot of communities in Beijing. By May 26th, 22 screening stations have been established. Over 4,700 samples have been collected from which more than 4,300 reports have been issued.
The progression from precancerous lesions to cancer usually takes 10 to 15 years. This is an important time window for early diagnosis and clinical intervention of cancer. During this time, regular screenings and preventive measures play a crucial role in detecting and treating potential cancers before they become life-threatening, ensuring a higher chance of successful outcomes. BGI will continue to reduce the incidence rate of colorectal cancer and improve the survival rate through actively carrying out high-risk population screening, enhancing the public's awareness, and participating in social welfare undertakings.