Colorectal cancer incidence in a multi-ethnic population: Age-period-cohort analysis of trends in Singapore

• Age standardised rates of colorectal cancer in Singapore increase up ro the mid 90′s, before stabilising. • Period effects show stabilisation from the mid 90′s. • Cohort effects show an increase until mid century followed by a plateu and modest increase from the 1970's • The effect of both period and cohort on colorectal cancer risk differs according to ethnic group in Singapore. • The effect of both period and cohort on colorectal cancer risk is stronger for men relative to women.