Distribution of risk factors in patients with colorectal cancer in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Objective : To identify the risk factors for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAUH) in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods : Clinical, pathological and risk factors data of all patients with CRC managed at KA UH, over a 10 years period (1993-2002) were collected and analyzed retrospec¬tively.

Risk factors, were then correlated with sex and race (Saudis vs Non-Saudis).

Results : Out of 90 patients evaluated, 5 were excluded because of incomplete data.

Out of 85 patients, 45 (52.9 %) patients were males, 40 (47.1 %) females, 33 (38.8) Saudis and 52 (61.2 %) were Non-Saudis.

The Majority were Asians ; 81 out of 85patients (95.3 %) and4 African (4.7 %).

Comparisons between males and females revealed no dif¬ference for all the following risk factors ; familial causes, polyps, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), High fat low fiber diet, Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) use and Obesity.

Comparisons between Saudis and Non-Saudis revealed no difference in all mentioned risk factors except for familial causes which was found higher among Saudis versus Non-Saudis (15.2 % vs 1.9 %, P = 0.031).

Conclusions : Risk factors for CRC are present in this study population especially dietary habits and obesity.

Fa¬milial risk factors were higher among Saudis than Non Saudis.

The relative high frequency of some risk factors calls for family screening and surveillance.