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Colorectal cancer: Screening still comes too late

Colorectal cancer is a common disease. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world – ranking third behind lung cancer and liver cancer – and it affects almost as many women as men1.

Its incidence rate of colorectal cancer is particularly high in the United States, in certain South American countries, in Europe, in Australia and New Zealand, and more recently in Japan. In general, epidemiological studies reveal that socioeconomic status is an important prognostic factor for colorectal cancers, and that there is inequality between low-income patients and those with higher incomes. A difference in exposure to risk factors (especially food), for example, could explain this inequality. In addition, low incomes, a low level of education, and insufficient health coverage would limit access to appropriate preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for the less-favored patients. However, the main factor affecting survival at the time of diagnosis is the stage of the tumor.

3rd

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. In 2020, the WHO ranked it as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths2.

900,000

Each year, more than 900,0001 people worldwide die from colorectal cancer.

1.9M

In 2022, there were over 1.9 million1 cases of colorectal cancer globally.

A progressive tumor

Colorectal cancer develops from a cell in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. This cell multiplies uncontrollably and gradually changes into a tumor, also known as a polyp. Polyps are growths that form in the inner wall of the colon, in the mucous membrane. The risk of a polyp turning into cancer varies, depending on the size of the benign tumor and type of cells.

Photo of a colorectal cancer patient

A silent cancer

The absence of symptoms is common. Colorectal cancer can therefore develop silently and can remain undiagnosed for a while. This is why screening is necessary. Nevertheless, some signs may point to the need for consultation with your physicial (see below).

Age: main risk factor

Most of colorectal cancers occur in people over 50 years of age3. While some factors are genetic, others are preventable with a change of lifestyle. Regular exercise and a diet rich in fiber and fruits and vegetables are beneficial. Conversely, the risk of colorectal cancer is increased by a diet rich in red meat and cured meats, excess weight or obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking3.
Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are also risk factors for colorectal cancer4.

Recognizing the signs

Illustrated infographic presenting the signs of colorectal cancer – Source: APHP – consulted in January 2025

Different types of therapeutic approaches

Different types of treatments can be prescribed for colorectal cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient. These include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Depending on the case, a single treatment or a combination may be prescribed. These treatments can have different objectives depending on the stage of the disease: to remove the tumor through surgery, to use radiotherapy to stop it from spreading, or to improve the patient’s quality of life by minimizing their symptoms.

Photo of a colorectal cancer patient

AND SERVIER?

Guided by the needs of patients, we aim to bring therapeutic innovations to the development of treatments targeting rare cancers. Specifically, these include digestive cancers (colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive biliary tract cancer), glioma (brain tumors), hematologic cancers (acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphomas).

We are focusing our R&D programs on two approaches: immuno-oncology and targeted therapies.

In order to improve treatment of patients with colorectal cancer, Servier contributes to:

  • developing models to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of the disease and resistance to treatment;
  • developing tools to improve selection of the most appropriate treatment for each patient;
  • evaluating different combinations of treatments to optimize patient care;
  • creating less invasive methods of analysis and follow-up for patients;
  • taking into account patient perspectives and quality of life when developing investigational medicinal products;
  • supporting patients and their loved ones in their fight against the disease.

REMEMBER

  1. Get tested: Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest killers, and it develops silently. However, early detection and treatment can improve prognosis.
  2. Change your lifestyle: Many cases could be prevented by reducing the consumption of red meat, alcohol, and tobacco, and avoiding excess weight or obesity.
  3. Stay informed: Being well informed about this disease and its manifestations can help prevent its occurrence. It can also help patients live well with the disease and better understand this cancer.

[1] Globocan, 2022, Globocan, 2022.pdf
[2] OMS – Fact Sheet – Cancer, – https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer#:~:text=le%20cancer%20colorectal%20(916%20000,sein%20(685%20000%20d%C3%A9c%C3%A8s).- consulté en janvier 2025
[3] Centre de lutte contre le cancer Léon Berard, Cancer colorectal, https://www.cancer-environnement.fr/fiches/cancers/cancer-colorectal/#:~:text=Age,accro%C3%AEt%20jusqu%27%C3%A0%2080%20ans. – consulté en janvier 2025
[4] Inserm, Maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin (MICI), – https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/maladies-inflammatoires-chroniques-intestin-mici/#:~:text=Les%20MICI%20sont%20en%20outre,apr%C3%A8s%2030%20ans%20d%27%C3%A9volution.- consulté en janvier 2025
[5] Institut National du Cancer, Cancer colorectal, dépistage par test immunologique et autres modalités – consulté en janvier 2025