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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Apr 15, 2014; 6(4): 98-103
Published online Apr 15, 2014. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i4.98
Published online Apr 15, 2014. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v6.i4.98
Colorectal carcinoma in a Southern Mediterranean country: The Libyan scenario
Zuhir Bodalal, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya
Riyad Bendardaf, Department of Medicine, Oncology Unit, University Hospital Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Author contributions: Bodalal Z and Bendardaf R conceived the idea of the project; Bodalal Z gathered the data and performed the statistical analysis; Bodalal Z and Bendardaf R performed the literature review; Bodalal Z wrote the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Dr. Zuhir Bodalal, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Libyan International Medical University, P.O. Box 15016, Benghazi, Libya. zuhir.bodalal@limu.edu.ly
Telephone: +218-91-4789141 Fax: +218-61-2233909
Received: September 12, 2013
Revised: December 26, 2013
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: April 15, 2014
Revised: December 26, 2013
Accepted: February 16, 2014
Published online: April 15, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Colorectal cancer incidence in Libya has changed greatly since the last time it was determined nearly a decade ago. Libya was found to have the highest incidence rate in North Africa, with younger ages more affected. Late presentation was found to be a major problem in the Libyan case. Clear urban-rural differences were seen when the different districts were analyzed. Different hypotheses are put forth to explain these variations. Proper surveillance and screening programs need to be established and healthcare policies should be adjusted to take into account the increasing rate of this malignancy.