TY - JOUR
T1 - Sex differences in epidemiological, clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer
AU - Koo, Jenn Hian
AU - Leong, Rupert W L
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Sex significantly influences the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC). These include differences in incidence and mortality rates, clinical presentations including age, emergency surgery for complications from CRC, screening participation rates, site, stage and treatment utilization, histopathology and survival. Environmental, behavioral and biological factors contribute to the differential risk. Recent advances in the molecular biology of CRC, specifically in microsatellite status, estrogen hormone and estrogen receptor β, have led to greater understanding of the effect of estrogen in colorectal carcinogenesis. Estrogen may preferentially protect against microsatellite unstable cancers through its effect on selected molecular targets; however, the exact pathways have not been elucidated. Recognition of important sex disparities in these areas may lead to the implementation of specific measures to diminish these differences and facilitate equitable distribution of health resources. Identifying specific molecular targets on CRC that interact with estrogen may stimulate research to improve the overall outcomes of all patients with CRC.
AB - Sex significantly influences the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC). These include differences in incidence and mortality rates, clinical presentations including age, emergency surgery for complications from CRC, screening participation rates, site, stage and treatment utilization, histopathology and survival. Environmental, behavioral and biological factors contribute to the differential risk. Recent advances in the molecular biology of CRC, specifically in microsatellite status, estrogen hormone and estrogen receptor β, have led to greater understanding of the effect of estrogen in colorectal carcinogenesis. Estrogen may preferentially protect against microsatellite unstable cancers through its effect on selected molecular targets; however, the exact pathways have not been elucidated. Recognition of important sex disparities in these areas may lead to the implementation of specific measures to diminish these differences and facilitate equitable distribution of health resources. Identifying specific molecular targets on CRC that interact with estrogen may stimulate research to improve the overall outcomes of all patients with CRC.
KW - Colorectal cancer
KW - Estrogen
KW - Menopause sex
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=73449086997&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05992.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05992.x
M3 - Review article
C2 - 19874446
AN - SCOPUS:73449086997
SN - 0815-9319
VL - 25
SP - 33
EP - 42
JO - Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia)
JF - Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia)
IS - 1
ER -