BGI Genomics Proprietary Research: Hungary had the highest global incidence rate of colorectal cancer

BGI State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report Reveals General Awareness Gaps and  Affordability Concerns.

To uncover attitudes and the biggest challenges facing colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness and screening, BGI Genomics today released its State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report, marking the first-ever global survey report on the world’s third most common cancer. This report is released on World Health Day, April 07, 2023, in line with achieving Health For All,  and seeks to motivate action to tackle the health challenges of today and tomorrow.

This inaugural report seeks to better understand the global state of CRC awareness, as well as attitudes and actions towards CRC screening for average risk groups and CRC screening for hereditary genetic risk groups. 1,817 respondents from six countries and regions were surveyed: the U.K. (Western Europe), Hungary (Eastern Europe), Saudi Arabia (Middle East and  Africa), Thailand (Southeast Asia), the Chinese mainland, and Hong Kong (North Asia).

Hungary had the highest global incidence rate of colorectal cancer, with 9,793 cases in 2020  based on World Cancer Research Fund data. CRC screening participation rate is very low in  Hungary, so CRC is most commonly recognized at a late stage where there are fewer  treatment options available.

Despite 51.5% reporting that there is insufficient information about CRC and 34.5% citing costs holding them back from CRC screening, the report reveals several optimistic findings. For example, 88.8% are more willing to go for screening upon learning about the 5-year survival rate of 90% for early CRC detection.

“Early CRC detection offers the best outcome for individuals and healthcare policy. The treatment cost of late-stage CRC is sometimes more than ten times higher relative to early-stage CRC but with far lower survival rates,” said Yantao Li, PhD, BGI Genomics Director of  Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, South-East Asia. “That’s why more countries or regions are promoting early screening programs. For example, the European Commission is  ramping up CRC screening programs.”