Early-onset colorectal cancer: an eleven-year analysis of clinicopathological characteristics at a tertiary healthcare center

Abstract

Background – Early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) incidence has increased significantly worldwide in recent years, and these individuals frequently have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This study examines the clinicopathological characteristics of EO-CRC cases diagnosed at an academic healthcare center in Spain. Methods – A retrospective record review study of patients diagnosed with EO-CRC from 2010 to 2021 was performed. Clinical and pathological data were collected. Results – A total of 101 patients were included. The majority of cases (75.3%) were diagnosed in the age group between 40 and 49 years, specifically within the subgroup of 46–49 years. A family history of colorectal cancer was found in 23% of patients. Left-sided tumors were more common (43.6%), and most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (34.7% at stage III and 32.7% at stage IV). The majority of patients (94.1%) were symptomatic, with rectal bleeding being the most prevalent clinical presentation. The most frequent histological type was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (44.6%). KRAS mutant tumors were found in 18.8% and BRAF mutant tumors in 11.9%. 67.3% had microsatellite stability. Tumor recurrence occurred in 24.8% of the patients, while 27.7% of the patients died. Conclusion – From 2010 to 2021, EO-CRC accounted for 3% of all colorectal cancer cases. To improve early diagnosis and treatment, physicians should maintain a high suspicion of red flag symptoms in young patients. To decrease EO-CRC morbidity and mortality, starting diagnostic screening tests at age 45 should be considered.