Sixty Asian oncologists have banded together to publish a textbook on the surgical treatment of colon cancer in the Asian region.

Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

The textbook titled “Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer” covers almost everything from the latest treatment trends to treatment for late-stage cancer patients, Severance Hospital said.

The textbook outlines surgical treatment principles for colorectal cancer, specifically for minimally invasive surgery, as well as multidisciplinary approaches for treating metastatic or refractory cancer.

In addition to specialized surgical skills, readers can learn about the current state of care in the Asia Pacific region.

"The book is a treasure trove of knowledge and experience of an older generation that aims to help younger surgeons,” said Professor Kim Nam-kyu of the Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine. “We will continue to work toward standardization and optimization of treatment in colorectal cancer, which is increasing in Asia."

Colon cancer incidence has risen sharply in the past two decades in the Asian region due to changes in diet and rising obesity along with economic growth.

In Korea, more than 100,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer annually with the number rising each year. In countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, colon cancer has long stood as the highest incidence disease among digestive cancers.

Severance noted that the textbook serves as a bridge to communicate and exchange information with experts in the West.

Textbooks on colorectal cancer have traditionally been written by leading surgeons in the Western region where incidence was high.

Most of the experiences, clinical and epidemiological research, early detection, causes and treatment of colorectal cancer were based on the clinical and basic research done primarily in the U.S. and Europe, Severance said.

With the increase of colon cancer in Asia, Kim led a series of meetings that focused on colon cancer in the Asian region.

The group of colonoscopy surgeons from major universities in Asia met in Thailand in 2011 to cope with the increase in colon cancer patients and to share their knowledge and experience of colon cancer treatment. The meetings continued once every two years to publish a textbook on colon cancer.

yjc@docdocdoc.co.kr

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