Distinct Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer and Frequency of Right Colon Cancer in Elderly Patients of Korea

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer in elderly is on the rise as colorectal cancer is increasing in prevalence. To come up with a proper screening guideline for the elderly, we collected basic data by comparing the clinical charac- teristics of colorectal cancer of younger patients with those of elderly patients. Results: The median age of the patients was 61.4 years old (range, 27 to 87). Of the 899 enrolled patients, 369 (41.0%) were 65 years old or older (older group). The Colon cancer affected a higher proportion of the older group than the young group (29.0% vs. 21.1%, p=0.007) while mucinous adenocarcinoma was found significantly more often in the young group when compared with the older group (2.2% vs. 5.9%, p=0.007). Hemoglobin level at diagnosis was also lower in the older group compared to the young group (mean±SD, 12.2±2.45 vs. 13.0±2.28, p<0.001). In addition, there was a female pre- dominance in right colon cancer in terms of gender (28.7% vs. 21.5%, p=0.014). Conclusion: In overall analyses, right colon cancer was more common in elderly and female patients. Total colonoscopic surveillance should be considered for the early detection of cancerous lesions in elderly and female patients.