The global challenge of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women, and is also the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.1 The incidence of colorectal cancer varies greatly across countries and by world regions, and is associated with level of socioeconomic development. Incidence is higher in regions higher on the Human Development Index (HDI), and lower in regions that are lower on the HDI.