Abstract 652
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is declining rapidly overall in most European countries. Curiously, in the United States, a worrisome increase in incidence has recently been reported among young adults. We report the first study on this specific age group in the European population.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted in Crete, Greece using data on malignant neoplasms of the colon (ICD-10: C18), rectosigmoid junction and rectum (ICD-10: C19-20). Data were obtained from the database of the regional Cancer Registry of Crete () and coded according to the international classification system for Oncology (ICD10-O-2). Information on patient’s demographic profile, personal and family medical history and lifestyle factors (smoking habits, alcohol consumption) were also available. The analysis was performed in STATA, while all tests were at a = 0.05.
Results
The mean age-specific incidence rates (ASpIR) of CRC patients
Conclusions
We confirmed in European population an increased incidence of CRC under the age of 50 and a worrisome prediction for the near future. Since mortality in young adults with CRC is high, efforts to promote research and awareness among patients and physicians about the unique characteristics of early-onset CRC are critical.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
Cancer registry of Crete
Funding
None
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.