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@article{188104,
        author = {Seerat manzoor and Sadaf Abusad and Rifat Ataullah and Mousin Nissar Ahanger},
        title = {Colorectal cancer: A comprehensive review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {1059-1064},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=188104},
        abstract = {Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most significant malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract and continues to pose a major global public health challenge. Despite advances in screening, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic strategies, CRC remains among the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent epidemiological trends reveal a concerning rise in CRC incidence among young adults, a shift influenced by multiple factors including genetic susceptibility, Westernized dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, increasing obesity rates, and environmental exposures. CRC often develops silently, with early stages presenting minimal or nonspecific symptoms, contributing to delayed diagnosis and higher rates of advanced-stage disease at presentation. The burden of CRC varies considerably across regions and income groups, with high-income countries demonstrating better survival outcomes due to organized screening programs and advanced healthcare services, while low- and middle-income countries continue to face challenges such as delayed presentation, limited diagnostic resources, and inadequate screening coverage. Clinically, CRC may present with rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, anemia, or weight loss, but these symptoms frequently overlap with benign conditions, complicating early detection. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and screening, enabling direct visualization, biopsy, detection of synchronous lesions, and early intervention. Advances in imaging techniques—particularly high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and endorectal ultrasound—have significantly improved local staging accuracy and guided decisions regarding neoadjuvant therapy. Modern treatment approaches, including total mesorectal excision (TME), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and total neoadjuvant therapy, have transformed management outcomes, particularly for rectal cancer. However, the emergence of chemotherapeutic drug resistance remains a major barrier to effective treatment, with many patients experiencing reduced drug responsiveness, ultimately leading to treatment failure. The objective of this review is to consolidate current knowledge on the epidemiology, etiological factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and evolving therapeutic strategies related to colorectal cancer, while emphasizing the increasing incidence among young adults and highlighting the critical need for early detection, improved screening programs, and comprehensive management approaches. By integrating existing evidence and identifying persistent gaps in understanding and care delivery, this review aims to support ongoing efforts to reduce the global burden of colorectal cancer and improve patient outcomes.},
        keywords = {Cancer, colorectal, colon, rectum, tumor, CRC, mortality},
        month = {December},
        }