Colorectal Cancer in Iran: an Epidemiological Study

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. But informationregarding CRC in Iran is limited; the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic features of CRC inIran, using 5-year data from cancer registry. <br/><b>Methods</b>: This survey is a descriptive-analytic study consists of1138 colorectal cancer patients who registered in Cancer Registry Center of Research Center for Gastroenterologyand Liver Disease, Tehran, Iran. These data gathered using interview and pathology reports that registered incancer registry forms. Data analysis was performed with descriptive and univariate methods. <br/><b>Results</b>: Of 1138patients, 696 cases were male and 442 female. There was no significant difference between males and femalesregarding age at diagnosis. 400 patients (35.1%) had a family history of cancer. The most common histologytype of tumor was adenocarcinoma, NOS. In most cases (39.1%) tumor grading was well differentiated andthere was no significant difference between males and females. <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: Colorectal cancer is a disease withnonspecific symptoms. Family history of cancer was evident in 35.1% of our cases and also 42.9% of patientswere below the age of 50 years old, suggests that genetic factors may be play an important role in the developmentof this disease in our country.