Sex Disparities in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a widespread malignancy with a significant global burden. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it ranked as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide in 2020, being the third most common among men and the second most common among women. The incidence and survival rates of CRC exhibit disparities based on sex, which also vary geographically. While the occurrence of CRC is generally higher in men compared to women on a global scale, regional variations exist. Furthermore, survival rates differ depending on sex and the specific region. For instance, in Korea, CRC incidence and prevalence rates are higher among men, and the 5-year relative survival rate for men was greater in 2019. Various factors have been recognized as possible influences on the disparities of colorectal cancer (CRC) between sexes. These factors involve variations in the uptake of screening, the impact of sex hormones, the increased prevalence of right-sided colon cancer among women, and specific genetic mutations associated with each sex. Ongoing research focuses on investigating the disparities between sexes in CRC, aiming to uncover genetic and metabolic factors that may contribute to the development of sex-specific therapeutic approaches. Advancements in this area have the potential to enhance treatment outcomes for CRC, ultimately leading to improved patient prognosis.