Distribution of Risk Factors in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: To identify the risk factors for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) at King AbdulAziz University Hospital (KAUH) in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods: Clinical, pathological and risk factors data of all patients with CRC managed at KAUH, over a 10 years period (1993-2002) were collected and analyzed retrospec-tively. Risk factors, were then correlated with sex and race (Saudis vs Non- Saudis). Results: Out of 90 patients evaluated, 5 were excluded because of incomplete data. Out of 85 patients, 45 (52.9%) patients were males, 40 (47.1%) females, 33 (38.8) Saudis and 52 (61.2%) were Non-Saudis. The Majority were Asians; 81 out of 85patients (95.3%) and4African (4.7%). Comparisons between males and females revealed no dif-ference for all the following risk factors; familial causes, polyps, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), High fat low fiber diet, Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) use and Obesity. Comparisons between Saudis and Non-Saudis revealed no difference in all mentioned risk factors except for familial causes which was found higher among Saudis versus Non-Saudis (15.2% vs 1.9%, P = 0.031). Conclusions: Risk factors for CRC are present in this study population especially dietary habits and obesity. Fa-milial risk factors were higher among Saudis than Non Saudis. The relative high frequency of some risk factors calls for family screening and surveillance.