Colon Cancer and Polyp

Abstract

Colorectal cancer can be defi ned as a malignant neoplasm arising from the wall of the large intestine (i.e., colon, rectum) and classifi ed by histopathology, stage, and shape. Recently, an increasing incidence of colorectal cancer has been observed worldwide. Globally, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and the third most common in women. This tendency was also observed in South Korea. According to the National Cancer Registry Data published in 2008, it ranks third following stomach cancer and thyroid cancer in terms of incidence. In addition, the incidence of colorectal cancer in South Korea is showing a steady increase because of changes in life-style. Thus, attention and interest in colorectal cancer have grown signifi cantly. Family physicians have served many important roles in primary care and cancer screening programs. In this review, the authors attempt to address the defi nition, classifi cation, epidemiology, etiology, pathway of carcinogenesis, and guidelines of screening for colorectal cancer, as a summary of recent literature and guidelines. We suggest the need for further research on colorectal cancer and for further development of the guidelines for colorectal cancer screening at the academy level.