Colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors are at an increased risk of developing multiple primary cancers (MPCs), according to a recent study by Flinders University in Australia. The research, published in the journal Cancer Medicine, utilized data from the South Australian Cancer Registry, covering thousands of CRC cases diagnosed between 1982 and 2017. The study analyzed 26,729 CRC survivors to assess the incidence and risk of MPCs among this population.
The announcement comes as CRC remains the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite advancements in early detection and treatment, CRC survivors face significant health challenges post-recovery. According to Mulugeta Melku, a PhD candidate and leader of the study at Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute’s Bowel Health Service, “While patient outcomes have improved over time, CRC survivors already face an increased risk of developing one or more cancers in another part of the colon or other primary sites.”
Key Findings of the Study
The research highlights that CRC survivors are particularly at risk for developing subsequent cancers such as prostate cancer, additional CRC, lung cancer, haematological malignancies, breast cancer, urinary tract organ cancers, and skin melanoma. Melku emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “This study shows that CRC survivors are at increased risk of subsequent cancers compared to the general population, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance, particularly for early detection and treatment of prostate, lung, breast, and blood cancers.”
“Estimating the incidence, trend, and risk of other kinds of MPCs after a diagnosis of CRC will help service delivery, testing, and treatment in the coming years, as the population continues to age and survivors live longer,” said Associate Professor Erin Symonds, senior researcher from the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.
Historical Context and Advances
Over the past four decades, significant advancements in CRC screening, treatment options, and diagnostic tools have improved survival rates. In Australia, CRC survival rates have risen from 54.9% in 1991–1995 to 71.3% in 2016–2020. These improvements are attributed to better awareness, early detection, and more effective treatment strategies.
Despite these advancements, the study underscores the ongoing challenges faced by CRC survivors. “Further research will also help to improve treatment outcomes and overall survival,” Symonds noted, emphasizing the necessity for continuous research to enhance understanding of MPC risks and refine surveillance programs.
Implications for Future Research and Healthcare
The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare providers and policymakers. As the population ages and CRC survivors live longer, the healthcare system must adapt to address the increased risk of MPCs. This includes developing targeted surveillance programs and refining existing strategies for early detection and treatment of subsequent cancers.
Symonds highlighted the broader impact of the research, stating that studies like this one “increase understanding of MPCs risks, which can, in turn, help develop suitable strategies to enhance and refine surveillance programs for early detection of subsequent cancers.”
The study, titled ‘Incidence, risk and trends of multiple primary cancers in patients with colorectal cancer: evidence from the South Australian Cancer Registry,’ is available as open access and can be read at doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70984. Additionally, a second paper by the researchers, covering MPC risk factors for CRC survivors, is also available at doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132145.
As the healthcare community continues to grapple with the complexities of cancer survivorship, this research provides critical insights that could shape future strategies and improve the quality of life for CRC survivors.
