Developing Concerns: Colorectal Cancer Trends and HDI in South-Eastern Asia

From 2008 to 2020, colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality have increased approximately 50% and 47% respectively in South-Eastern Asia (SEA). The human development index (HDI) influences various lifestyle choices and level of physical activity that may contribute to the prevalence of CRC in this region, distinct from factors related to medical or hereditary history. This review aims to assess and illustrate the effects and correlate of the HDI with the age-standardized rates (ASR) for CRC incidence and mortality in SEA.

The ASR for CRC incidence and mortality in each SEA country were sourced from GLOBOCAN 2020. The HDI for 2020 in each country was obtained from the Human Development Reports.

Statistical analysis indicates a significant positive correlation of 0.847 (p=0.0001) and 0.832 (p=0.002) between HDI and ASR for incidence and mortality, respectively.

A high HDI in a country has dual effects, boosting the economy while potentially compromising public health. Very high HDI nations have demonstrated that screening programs can effectively lower ASR incidence and mortality of CRC. However, regrettably, CRC screening is not viable for many SEA countries due to resource constraints. Besides screening, diet and lifestyle also significantly contribute to reducing CRC burdens. Medium HDI countries, despite lacking a well-developed economy, maintain low ASR for incidence and mortality, indicating that non-processed meat, a diet low “westernized” food, and a physically active lifestyle aid in reducing CRC prevalence.