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Colorectal Cancer

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Metabolism of Human Diseases

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer. It is the second most common cancer in men and third most common in women by incidence. It represents the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality in both sexes worldwide [1]. It is mainly a disease of the western civilization with almost 60 % of the cases recorded in the developed countries. Nearly 90 % of CRCs are sporadic and caused by a complex interplay between genetic, host, and (most importantly) dietary factors. A “western” diet rich in red and processed meat and animal fat and of low fiber content is a well-recognized risk factor [2]. Recent research has further highlighted the key role of microbiota in mediating the dietary risk of colon cancer [3]. In addition, other environmental factors such as alcohol and smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and obesity increase the CRC risk [4].

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, 933W MUH, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Kishore Vipperla

  2. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 200 Lothrop Street, PUH Mezzanine Level – C Wing, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    Stephen J. O’Keefe

Authors
  1. Kishore Vipperla
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  2. Stephen J. O’Keefe
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen J. O’Keefe .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Metabolic Physiology, German Diabetes Center, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Eckhard Lammert

  2. CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany

    Martin Zeeb

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© 2014 Springer-Verlag Wien

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Vipperla, K., O’Keefe, S.J. (2014). Colorectal Cancer. In: Lammert, E., Zeeb, M. (eds) Metabolism of Human Diseases. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0715-7_24

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