Colorectal cancer (CRC) was the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the fourth most common cancer by its incidence in 2020, which continues to rise steadily [1]. CRC emerges from the glandular epithelial cells of the colon. Specific genetic or epigenetic mutations confer change on the normal cellular structure resulting in their ability to become dysplastic. These cells can then give rise to benign adenoma, which may then evolve into carcinoma [2, 3]. Based on previously reported national cancer statistics, the incidence and mortality of colorectal carcinomas have been decreasing [4]. However, data from United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database suggest that CRC incidence is increasing in the under age 50 group and decreasing in older groups despite age being a significant risk factor for CRC [5, 6]. Most cases diagnosed at younger ages are reportedly symptomatic and at later stages, suggesting that the increased incidence is accurate and not representative of lead-time bias attributable to earlier detection [6]. Major risk factors for CRC include cancer history in a first-degree relative, obesity, hyperlipidemia, age, and alcohol consumption [7]. In the US, the lifetime incidence of CRC for average-risk patients is 4% [8]. CRC incidence is approximately four times higher in males than females, and African Americans have a five times higher chance of CRC than whites [9]. While most literature utilizes currently reported cases and databases such as SEER to understand the epidemiology of CRC, few studies talk about the future incidence and measures that can be employed to reduce further escalation. A more robust understanding of the CRC incidence in the future, its modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and the preventative measures will empower researchers and physicians to prevent this fatal neoplasm.

Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) Cancer Tomorrow provides data visualization tools to predict the future incidence and mortality of various cancers from the current estimates. The data is based on a predictive model that estimates the incidence, mortality, and prevalence [1, 10]. Cancer Tomorrow reports the global cancer statistics to inform cancer control and research. It enables a derivation of the future cancer burden based on the current GLOBOCAN estimates. Cancer Tomorrow computes expected incidence and mortality data by multiplying the age-specific incidence/mortality rates estimated for 2020 by the corresponding expected population for future years. These expected populations are different from what is used to compute the estimated rates. However, cancer predictions should be interpreted with due caution [11].

According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, 146,589 cases of CRC were reported in the US, (males = 78,837, females = 67,752). The number of colon cancer cases was 101,809 (males = 51,715, females = 50,094). The cases of rectal cancers in the US in 2020 were 44,780 (males = 27,122, females = 17,658). The total number of CRC is expected to rise to 170,968 by 2030, with a percent change of 17.3%. The expected percent change in colon cancers is more than rectal cancers (19.8% vs. 11.6%). The number of cases is expected to remain more common in males than females, with higher percent changes in 2030, as reported in Table 1.

The predicted incidence trends in CRC are demonstrated in Figure 1. The gap between males and females is lower in colon cancer (Figure 2) as compared to rectal cancer (Figure 3).

An estimated 53,069 (males = 28,405, females = 24,664) people passed away secondary to colorectal carcinoma in the US in 2020. The number of deaths due to colon cancer alone was 37,930 (males = 19,020, females = 18,910). The number of cases in for rectal cancer was 15,139 (males = 9,385, females = 5,754). The estimated number of deaths secondary to CRC is expected to go up to 64,553 (males = 34,368, females = 30,185) in 2030, an estimated percent change of 22.2%. The percent changes for males and females are similar for predicted mortality rates of CRC in 2030 (Table 2).

The predicted mortality trends in CRC are separately demonstrated in Figure 4. Gap in mortality trends in rectal cancer appeared to be wider (Figure 5); however, in colon cancer the trends were almost similar (Figure 6).

Colorectal carcinomas are multifactorial, with both environmental and genetic factors influencing their development [12]. The majority of cases are not familial rather sporadic in nature. The risk factors behind the development of CRCs can be broadly classified into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Revisiting these risk factors can help better understand the associated future risk of CRC and reduce its incidence and mortality.

Changing trends in the incidence of colon and rectal carcinomas suggest a behavioral component. Recently updated guidelines and advances in tools to reduce the incidence and mortality provide physicians with multiple options. Several screening tools are available, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, computed tomographic colonography (CTG), guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT), fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and the multitarget stool DNA, (MT-sDNA, Cologuard®). The sensitivities and specificities of these tools are variable [51].

Substantial data suggests that regular physical activity is associated with CRC protection, especially a reduced risk of proximal colon and distal colon cancers [52]. In addition to exercise, diet also plays a role, and a diet high in fruits and vegetables has shown a protective effect against CRC [53]. Vegetarian dietary patterns have been associated with a reduced CRC risk compared to nonvegetarians [54]. Intake of fiber can also play a role in reducing CRC and colonic adenomas. One study showed that doubling of total fiber intake in populations with below-average intake may reduce CRC risk up to 40% [55].

Folate supplementation has also shown some effect on colon cancer; data has demonstrated that folate inhibits cancer pathogenesis in the colon [56]. The mechanism is poorly understood, but folate plays a role in S-adenosylmethionine formation, a methyl donor, and purine and thymidine synthesis. We know that colon cancer is secondary to alterations in DNA methylation, disruption of DNA, and interrupted DNA repair, all of these processes tend to increase with folate depletion [56].

However, this should be taken with a grain of salt. One trial showed increased risks of non-CRC adenomas secondary to folate supplementation, and folic acid at one mg per day did not reduce colorectal adenoma risk. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of folic acid on the risk of colorectal neoplasia [57].

In one meta-analysis of prospective studies, data suggested a modest correlation between higher pyridoxine (vitamin B6) intake and reduced CRC risk [58]. However, evidence is still lacking in this regard. Calcium and vitamin D have also shown some protective effects in colorectal carcinoma development. Daily calcium intake by up to 1,200 mg has been shown to reduce colonic epithelial cell proliferative activity and enables normal cellular differentiation [59]. Calcium supplementation is also linked to reducing the risk of recurrent colorectal adenoma [60]. Vitamin D plays a role in colorectal adenomas etiology, possibly through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Patients with VDR gene BsmI polymorphism B allele (BB BsmI VDR genotype) may be at decreased risk of colorectal adenoma even if calcium and vitamin D intake is low [61]. However, some studies postulate that calcium and vitamin D supplementation act primarily to reduce colorectal adenoma recurrence risk and the VDR genotype plays no significant role [62]. Vitamin D affects the innate immune response, which can influence the propensity to develop inflammatory bowel diseases, a known predisposing factor for CRC. Vitamin D’s role should be better understood as it can provide a role in chemopreventative and cancer therapeutics [63]. One population-based study also implies that a high magnesium intake can reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in women [64].

Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a protective role against colonic adenoma and cancer development. The mechanism could be increased apoptosis and impaired tumor cell growth by interference with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [65]. Long-term daily aspirin therapy at doses of 75 mg or greater has been shown to reduce the long-term incidence and mortality due to colorectal cancer, especially in the proximal colon [65]. One randomized control trial also showed a reduced risk of CRC with combination therapy of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and sulindac (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) [66]. Statin therapy has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal carcinoma. One study shows a 47% relative reduction in colorectal cancer risk after risk factors adjustment [67]. However, further data is required. Long-term angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) therapy has been postulated to reduce CRC development by decreasing advanced adenoma development [68]. In contrast, a case-control study assessing ACE inhibitor exposure and CRC risk did not demonstrate any significant association [69]. It also reported no reduction of CRC risk by use of statins or other lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medications [69]. Individualized CRC screening based on gender and race may also provide benefit in CRC prevention. Race-based guidelines currently only exist for African Americans. However, no individualized guidelines exist based on gender. Early colonoscopy may be recommended on an individual basis based on risk factor [33, 70].

GLOBOCAN is limited as it does not report right and left colon cancer separately. We believe the future projection would have given a more comprehensive idea about rising incidence from an epidemiological point of view. Right-sided colon cancers incidence has been increasing in recent years [71, 72]. The right-sided colon is associated with aggressive behavior, but they do not show a more unsatisfactory outcome [73]. FIT’s role in screening right-sided colorectal cancer should be explored further as studies show higher mortality and interval cancer rate after a negative FIT result [74]. The cancer localized to the right colon was 41.1% instead of the left colon and rectum in one study [74]. Therefore, author does suggest that patients should be made aware of the risk of developing cancer after a negative FIT study. Colonoscopy would be a better alternative.

The increased prevalence of colon cancer could also be related to a recently predicted rise in modifiable risk factors [75]. It has been reported that by 2030, 50% of adults will have obesity with greater than 50% prevalence in 29 states in the US. Additionally, 25% of adults are projected to have severe obesity by 2030. Diabetes and smoking are also more prevalent in obese people [76]. Patients who undergo surgical management for colorectal cancers have poor morbidity if they have underlying diabetes [77]. One study reported no changes in mortality or morbidity after right or left colectomy; however, the rate of postoperative intra-abdominal fluid collections requiring intervention and the anastomotic leak was higher in obese patients [78].

Colorectal carcinomas have a destructive potential with rising incidence globally and in the US. GLOBOCAN predicts a growing incidence of both colon and rectal carcinomas in males and females in the next ten years. The exacerbated incidence could be linked to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, red meat, alcohol, and smoking. Dietary changes, exercise, aspirin, vitamin, and multi-mineral intake can reduce CRC incidence among the US’s general population. Further long-term and comparative data, including comparing current screening guidelines to individualize screening based on age, gender, and risk factors, could hold some promise to flatten the rising curve.