Incidence and mortality of CRC

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of tumor and one of the main health problems worldwide, with almost 1.8 million new cases and 881,000 deaths in 2018. This type of cancer basically affects the more developed regions of the world, but in recent years its incidence has increased in other countries too. Early detection and the progress made in treatment have led to increased survival, and this may explain the current downward trend in the developed world, as opposed to the upward trend seen in developing countries. Geographical variability in the rates of CRC and the increase in cases recorded in recent years in some countries, such as Spain, could be related to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits.