iScience · Nov 5, 2026

Diet-attributable colorectal cancer in Asia: Regional heterogeneity in burden and dietary intake

By Zhan Y, Lv W, Wang Z et al.

Colorectal cancer incidence is rising rapidly in Asia, with dietary factors being major modifiable risk factors. We assessed disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), estimated annual percentage change, and population-attributable fraction using Global Burden of Disease 2023 data. Spatial alignment between 2018 Global Dietary Database intake and 2018 attributable ASDR was examined using Spearman correlation and bivariate maps. High-income Asia Pacific recorded the highest diet-attributable ASDR and ASMR in 2023, while South Asia recorded the lowest. Among Asian subregions, High-income Asia Pacific recorded the highest ASDRs attributable to diets low in whole grains, high in red meat, and high in processed meat. Within each subregion, diets low in whole grains or milk generally ranked first. Whole grains, milk, calcium, and fiber showed clearer spatial alignment. Given the heterogeneity of diet-attributable burden in Asia, region-specific dietary prevention strategies should be prioritized.

doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.118065Open accessPubMed 43017472Populations