A Comparative Study of Colorectal Cancer Based on Patient’s Age

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is a serious disease that can lead to death, especially when the tumor is diagnosed late. The cells of the colon or rectum lining sustain changes until those cells develop outside the body control. Cancer screening helps in the early detection and treatment, and preventsspreadof the disease. Objective: To determine the extent of colorectal cancer based on the patient's age and to study, based on age, the most common symptoms, clinical findings, the most common tumor site, as well as the types of surgical intervention. Patients and methods: In the period between January 2012 to March 2013, 35 patients with colorectal cancer were admitted to Al-Yarmouk hospital for surgical treatment after final confirmation of the diagnosis using various screening tests including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood test. Results: Of the 35 patients included in this study 25 (71.4%) were above the age of 40 years (12 males and13 females), and the remaining 10 (5 males and5 females) were 22-40 years. Anemia was the most common clinical finding among younger and older patients (90% and 88% respectively). Weakness and lethargy were indicated as the most common symptom among older patients (88%). Surgical treatmentfor younger patients involved differentsites, 30% each of lefthemicolectomy, right hemicolectomy and anterior resection, while among the older patients 56% had left hemicolectomy. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer is most common among older people, yet it also occurs in younger people as well. The apparent symptoms were nearly the same in younger and older patients. Weakness and lethargy were the most common symptom in younger and older patients. Most of the patients over 40 years of age underwent left hemisectomy.