Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally, being the third most common type and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Its incidence varies across regions, with higher rates observed in developed countries compared to developing ones. CRC is also associated with lower socioeconomic status. This review explores the existing literature on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, EBSCO, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were screened for inclusion based on titles and abstracts using Rayyan QCRI, followed by full-text assessments. The analysis included 7 trials encompassing a total of 3,134,223 patients with CRC. The majority of diagnoses were made using computed tomography (CT), while one study relied on surgical methods. MRI was also utilized in some of the studies. CT plays an important role in staging CRC, according to the TNM classification (tumor, node, metastasis). Advances in molecular characterization of colon tumors are expected to provide more precise and personalized treatments for people with polyps and cancers, based on specific genetic alterations.
