Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed and second most deadly cancer in 2020. Although the incidence of disease has decreased among older adults, recently there has been an alarming emergence of early-onset colorectal cancer among people <50 years of age. 9.4% of cancer-related deaths globally occured due to colorectal cancer in 2022. The critical shift in health-care focus from treatment to disease prevention necessitates the development of a well-thought-out integrative prevention strategy that is both practical and evidence-based. The study's goal is to provide a holistic, wellness-oriented disease prevention strategy to reduce the incidence of both early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer.
Materials and Methods: A systematic search from databases (PubMed, Wiley, Elsevier, and Google Scholar) for articles published in the past 7 years in peer-reviewed journals was conducted, aiming at articles regarding risk factors and modification, screening and early detection with biomarkers, diet and lifestyle, traditional and modern chemo-preventive compounds, immunoprevention, and oral dysbiosis. All of the authors independently assessed the quality of the studies.
Results: 32 studies, including 13 systematic reviews, 3 cohorts, 3 randomized control trials, 1 case-control, 3 in vitro, 2 in vivo, and 7 reviews. Evidence synthesis is presented as an integrated preventive strategy for colorectal cancer, focusing on different aspects of prevention.
Conclusion: A holistic approach to CRC prevention should include improved screening, early detection, dietary and lifestyle changes, good communication to perceive risk, need-based nutrition supplementation, and stress management.