Clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Southern Iran, 2005
نویسندگان
1 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
6 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
7 GastroenterohepatologyResearch Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
doi
چکیده
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and represents a majorpublic health problem in developed countries. The objective of present investigation was to determine the epidemiologicaspects and clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Shiraz, southern Iran.Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out during 2000-2005, and comprised 491 subjects with pathologicallydocumented colorectal cancer. They were registered in Fars Cancer Registry, affiliated to Shiraz Universityof Medical Sciences, southern Iran. A questionnaire including data on demographic information, histologicaltypes of cancer, site of primary cancer and metastasis were completed by trained interviewers.Results: Among 491 subjects, 57.2% were male and the most common age was 65-75 years. Patients under45 years of age represented 22.8% of all colorectal cancer cases while 32% were over 65 years old. Thosewith a history of cancer in their first-degree relatives included 26.9% of the patients. Adenocarcinoma was themost common reported histological type of cancer (96.1%). Among all subjects, 60.7% suffered from abdominalpain, 28.4% abdominal distention and 28.0% rectal bleeding. Other symptoms included diarrhea/constipation, nausea/vomiting, urogenital problems and mass sensation. The most common sites ofmetastasis were lung, brain and ovary.Conclusion: The incidence of colorectal cancer showed a remarkable increase in our region that might be dueto changes in life style, decreased physical activity, heavy smoking habits, dietary changes and increased prevalenceof obesity. Considering the elderly as the most vulnerable and the growing trend towards involvement ofyounger subjects, more studies and screening seems to be essential.
