ویژگی های دموگرافیک و کلینیکی بیماران مبتلا به سرطان کولورکتال

Background and purpose: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in Iran. The incidence of this cancer, especially in the northern regions in Iran, has increased in the last two decades. This study was designed to update the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer in Mazandaran province. Materials and methods: All patients with diagnosis of colorectal cancer who were treated during 2008-2014 in Imam Khomeini Educational Hospital and Touba polyclinic (a university affiliated center) were included. We evaluated the age, sex, location of tumor, stage of tumor, presence of metastasis, location of metastasis, and clinical symptoms. Results: Three hundred and sixty four patients, including 53.4% male and 46.6% female, were examisned. Almost one-third (31.3%) of patients were younger than 50 years of age and there was no significant difference in the mean age of both sexes (p=0.42). At time of diagnosis, 37.2% of patients were in stage 4. Family history of cancer was positive in 45%, and this rate increased to 63.9% in cases younger than 50. The mean age of patients with positive family history was lower compared to those with negative family history (P=0.028). Conclusion: The mean age of colorectal cancer in studied patients, especially those with positive family history, was lower compared to what have been found in similar studies. The majority of patients were in advanced stages at the time of diagnosis. These findings call for more attention to the initial sign and symptoms of colorectal cancer and carrying out screening programs for early diagnosis and treatment.