Incidence of Colorectal Carcinoma in Young Population of Islamabad

Colorectal cancer is the cancer developed in the rectum or colon. It is also called colon cancer and bowel cancer.

The risk of colorectal cancer in Pakistan is quite low. However, current research indicates that with time the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults. Due to increased smoking, preserved eatable animal foods, inflammatory bowel diseases, and increased consumption of alcohol increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

In the initial stage, there is no symptoms. As the polyp grows up to tumor, it obstruct colon or bleed. In the secondary stage following are major symptoms:

• Rectum bleeding
• Abdominal cramps
• Blood in toilet after bowel movement or in stool.
• Stool shape change such as thinning

Pakistan has no standard screening guidelines to limit the increased risk of colorectal cancer. Additionally, a large number of females feels ashamed for doing screening.

Research

To promote awareness concerning increased incidence of colorectal cancer in younger population and its clinical as well as pathological features compared to older patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2017 in patients with diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma admitted through emergency or outpatient departments to surgical wards of PIMS Hospital, Islamabad. Data concerning age, gender, presentation, site of tumor, surgery performed and Dukes staging was used for analysis. Data was collected from ward where the diagnosed cases of CRC were asked open ended questions.

To explore the biological plausibility of dietary issues as a risk factor for cancer experimental studies on animals and histopathological studies on young children and young adults were included to determine possible life style changes and the presence of disease in young age group not expected to have cancer in colon and rectum.

The incidence of Colorectal Cancer appears to be increasing in patients aged less than 50. Data confirms that in culturally diverse young population, CRC tends to be at an advanced stage, aggressive and frequently non-operable at the time of diagnosis. It is important for doctors to recognize the poor outcome of CRC in a younger population and follow an aggressive approach to early diagnosis and treatment. Young patients with rectal bleeding or other alarming signs should be evaluated with early colonoscopy instead of attributing these symptoms to hemorrhoids or dysentery, which is unfortunately the current practice here due to lack of awareness. Practice of doing colonoscopy by the doctors may reduce the number of cases in advance stage.

There is a need of awareness programs on media, seminars, and presentations in school and colleges by the teachers and doctors to spread the message about the early approach in case of any suspicious symptoms. Healthy life style and propaganda against smoking and use of tobacco in any form is mandatory

“Research by Dr. Nasira Tajamal”