Epidemiological study of colon cancer in educational hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences (2006-2011)

Background and aims: Among all cancers, colon cancer is common and deadly, yet preventable. The estimated worldwide incidence of colon cancer is more than one million new cases per year. This study was done to identify the epidemiological features and risk factors of colon cancer in different regions of Birjand. Methods: This retrospective, descriptive analytical study of patients with colon cancer was conducted in Birjand educational hospitals. This study examined the patients whose colon cancers had been confirmed by a pathologist (2006-11). Statistics related to these patients were collected from pathology centers affiliated to Birjand University of Medical Sciences. Data were analyzed using descriptive (frequency and relative frequency) and analytical (chi square test) statistics. SPSS software was used to analyze the collected data. Results: Results of the present research showed that a total of 38 people with colon cancer were hospitalized in Birjand educational hospitals between 2006 and 2011. In the present study, there was a significant difference between the patients’ job and the type of morphology (P=0.018) and the therapeutic procedures (P=0.001); Adenocarcinoma was mainly reported among housewives (n=10, 76.9%). Concerning therapeutic procedures, housewives underwent colectomy surgery more than other groups (n=8, 61.5%). Conclusion: Controlling colon cancer which is one of the most common cancers in the world is a great epidemiologic success. The findings of this study presented a complete and exact image of epidemiology of this cancer in the region and provided the authorities with precious information; therefore, they can make decisions about identifying colon cancer risk factors in the region.