Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Among Jordanians: a Case- Control Study

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Jordan has been on the rise. We aimed to<br />determine associations with lifestyle factors, demographic and clinical variables. Methods: This case-control study<br />included 102 patients diagnosed with CRC and 198 age and gender matched healthy subjects as controls. Cases were<br />purposefully sampled; however, the control group were selected by simple random sampling of a cross-section of the<br />population in Northern Jordan. Participating cases and controls completed an anonymous questionnaire inquiring about<br />their demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and clinical variables. Data about the medical history and diagnosis<br />of participating cases were obtained from the cases themselves and confirmed by reviewing their medical records.<br />Results: In the cross tabulation analysis, the Chi square test showed that diabetes and hypertension were significantly<br />associated with CRC (P <0.05). Additionally, regression modeling revealed that age ≥ 45 years (OR=10.93), positive<br />family history for CRC (OR=5.53), physical inactivity (OR=7.4), cigarette smoking (OR=3.71), and having other types<br />of cancer (OR=13.61) were all associated with increased risk of CRC. Conclusions: Physical inactivity and cigarette<br />smoking are among the top modifiable risk factors for CRC among Jordanians. Moreover, diabetes and hypertension<br />were found to be statistically significant risk factors in univariate, but not multivariate analysis. More effective strategies<br />for elevating awareness and prevention are required at both national and international levels. Improving screening<br />strategies is needed for early detection of CRC in Jordan.