Comparative Analysis of Colorectal Cancer in Patients Aged above and below 50 years in Northern Iran

Abstract

Background:

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been rapidly increasing in individuals under the age of 50 over the past decade, highlighting the need for greater focus and research to optimize screening strategies.  The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and endoscopic features of CRC in patients younger than 50 years with those aged 50 years and older

Materials  and Methods:

 In this cross-sectional study, we analysed data from 148 patients with newly diagnosed CRC. The patients were divided into two groups: those under 50 years of age (<50 years) and those aged 50 years or older (≥50 years). Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic information from both groups was statistically compared using SPSS software.

Results:

Of the 148 patients, 38.5% were under 50 years of age, while 61.5% were 50 years or older. In the <50 years group, the number of women was statistically higher than men, whereas in the ≥50 years group, men were more frequently affected (P=0.005). Patients under 50 years were also more likely to have a family history of CRC in both first-degree (P=0.040) and second-degree (P=0.001) relatives. Hematochezia was more common in the <50 years group (P=0.014), while abdominal pain was significantly more frequent in the ≥50 years group (P=0.009). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of BMI (P=0.816), smoking (P=0.974), opium addiction (P=0.772), or tumor location (P=0.309). 

Conclusion:

There is a pressing need to raise awareness about early-onset CRC, identify high-risk young individuals for screening, and ensure prompt evaluation of CRC symptoms.