The Rise in Colorectal Cancer in UAE Young Population, 9 Years Study

Abstract

Introduction: a) Colorectal cancer is the fourth (4th) common cancer in both sexes, worldwide and is the third most common cancer in men and the second in women. b) In 2012, 1.36 million cases of colorectal cancer occurred and there were 693,881 deaths c) Incidence is increasing under age 50 and is the second killer cancer in UAE in 2017 [1]. d) According to health authority of Abu Dhabi( HAAD) in a report published in 2012 colon cancer is the 2nd common cancer and 4th common cause of cancer deaths in men and 3rd most common cancer and 2nd common cause of cancer deaths in women.(www.haad.ae) e) UAE the data showed average age for colorectal cancer to be 51 years, 59% were men and 41 % were women [2]. f) In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) instituted 2013 a colon cancer prevention program including primary preventive strategies by education, weight control & exercise and secondary prevention strategies by either colonoscopy or yearly fecal immune testing starting at age 40-75. g) The campaign was designed to coincide with the global awareness months in march that are assigned for colorectal cancer [3]. Our Study-2012-2021 (Single Center Experience ACDS)included 11770 Colonoscopies performed for multiple indications: a) 2717 Colon Polyps were detected 23%. b) 67 cancers were detected during this period 0.66% [4-6]. c) Age range 29-81 years, 24% below 50 years, 13% below age 40. d)163 precancerous polyps and cancers  23% Conclusion: a) Our single center (ACDS) data of 11,770 colonoscopies done for a variety of indications showed  colon polyps2717  23%&  67 colorectal cancers 0.66%  . b) 67 cancers, male 62% and female 37 % detected . 24% below age 50, 13% below age 40 c) Colorectal cancer affect younger populations. d) The implication for the screening program is to review the screening age and possibly starting at younger ages. e) More data from different centers needed to evaluate the age of colorectal cancer screening.