Background. According to data of Globocan 2022, colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the frequent diseases in Asian countries. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, colorectal cancer takes 2nd place in men and 4th place in women. Colorectal cancer represents a growing public health challenge in Uzbekistan, with a steadily increasing incidence and a predominance of cases diagnosed at older ages.
Aim. Aim of this study is to analyze epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer in Uzbekistan and to investigate prevention of colorectal cancer.
Methods. This is a descriptive epidemiological study conducted from 2020 to 2024, covering all registered cases of colorectal cancer in Uzbekistan. Incidence rates were estimated using data from the National Statistical Report on Cancer in Uzbekistan and compared with estimates from GLOBOCAN 2022.
Results. In 2024, there were 2 199 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases in Uzbekistan (compared to 1 536 cases in 2020), with 56.8% occurring in men. Colorectal cancer accounted for 7.9% of all malignant neoplasms and ranked as the second most common cancer in men and the fourth in women. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR, World standard) was higher according to GLOBOCAN 2022 (9,0 per 100,000), while national cancer statistics reported a lower ASR of 6,5 per 100 000. Over the past five years, the ASR of CRC increased from 5,4 to 6,5 per 100 000 population, indicating a steady upward trend. Colorectal cancer in Uzbekistan is rarely diagnosed before the age of 50 and predominantly affects the elderly population, with the highest incidence observed among individuals aged 65 years and older. The reasons for this pattern are multifactorial and not entirely clear. However, lifestyle and dietary factors may play a significant role. In particular, a traditionally high consumption of red and processed meat, often prepared using high-temperature cooking methods (grilling, frying), combined with relatively low intake of dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables, may contribute to increased CRC risk. High meat consumption is associated with exposure to carcinogenic compounds such as heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and N-nitroso compounds.
Conclusion. In conclusion it can be shown that colorectal cancer incidence in Uzbekistan has increased steadily over recent years, predominantly affecting individuals aged 50 years and older. The observed trends suggest a significant contribution of lifestyle-related factors, particularly high consumption of red and processed meat combined with low dietary fiber intake. Strengthening population-based prevention strategies, including dietary modification and implementation of organized colorectal cancer screening, is essential to reduce disease burden and improve early detection.

Number of new Colorectal cancer cases, 2020-2024, all ages, men/women, abs.numb