CLINICAL STUDY OF COLORECTAL CANCER IN AL NAJAF AL ASHRAF GOVERNORATE

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer is a type of large intestine cancer that affects many individuals causing significant mortality rate worldwide, including Iraq.

Objective: Determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancer patients that are addressed in Al Najaf governorate and assess of factors associated with colorectal cancer

Patients and methods: a sample of 180 patients who had been diagnosed by an oncologist at the Middle Euphrates Cancer Center in al-Najaf, Iraq. The method of collecting data by direct interview technique (face-to-face) with patients using the questionnaire format designed for this purpose. Data collection lasted six months, from December 2022 to May 2023. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS-29), and Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between numerous variables.

Results:  Mean±SD age of study sample was 55.3±14.5 years old. Of all patients, 59.4% had colon cancer, 54.8% had grade II cancer, majority of patients 65.7% were presented at T3 stage according to TNM staging. Lymph node involvement in patients was 52.2%, and 68.9% of them did not have metastatic cancer. History of gallstones and cholecystectomy were 10% and 14.4%, respectively. Diabetes and hypertension were prevalent in 20% and 28.9% of participants, respectively. 39.4% of patients had been exposed to radiation from a uranium-depleted bomb, while 25.6% of patients were current or former smokers. The majority of patients, 87.2%, had cramping, 83.3% weight loss, 70% constipation, 75.6% weakness, and 67.2% bleeding as signs and symptoms. The majority of patients (76%) used colonoscopy as a diagnostic method. The treatment method for the majority of patients (50.6%) was postoperative chemotherapy.

Conclusions: high percentage of study sample presented with colon cancer followed by rectal cancer with grade II and metastasis in 31%.

Recommendation: Colorectal cancer prevention requires the implementation of countrywide screening programs beginning at the age of 50. The early detection of cancer allows for complete recovery. Lifestyle choices appear to be an important component of community prevention efforts. Health education programs that explain the significance of exposed to risk factors in the development or prevention of CRC.