Alsadhan N, Alhurishi SA, Pujades-Rodriguez M, Shuweihdi F, Brennan C, West RM. Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with advanced stage colorectal cancer: a registry-based cohort study in Saudi Arabia.
BMC Cancer 2024;
24:533. [PMID:
38671382 PMCID:
PMC11055310 DOI:
10.1186/s12885-024-12270-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In Saudi Arabia, approximately one-third of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Late diagnosis is often associated with a worse prognosis. Understanding the risk factors for late-stage presentation of CRC is crucial for developing targeted interventions enabling earlier detection and improved patient outcomes.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 17,541 CRC patients from the Saudi Cancer Registry (1997-2017). We defined distant CRCs as late-stage and localized and regional CRCs as early-stage. To assess risk factors for late-stage CRC, we first used multivariable logistic regression, then developed a decision tree to segment regions by late-stage CRC risk, and finally used stratified logistic regression models to examine geographical and sex variations in risk factors.
RESULTS
Of all cases, 29% had a late-stage diagnosis, and 71% had early-stage CRC. Young (< 50 years) and unmarried women had an increased risk of late-stage CRC, overall and in some regions. Regional risk variations by sex were observed. Sex-related differences in late-stage rectosigmoid cancer risk were observed in specific regions but not in the overall population. Patients diagnosed after 2001 had increased risks of late-stage presentation.
CONCLUSION
Our study identified risk factors for late-stage CRC that can guide targeted early detection efforts. Further research is warranted to fully understand these relationships and develop and evaluate effective prevention strategies.
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