Abstract 147P
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a major global health challenge, ranking third in incidence with an estimated 1,926,425 new cases and second in mortality with 904,019 deaths globally in 2022. It is the most common and lethal gastrointestinal malignancy, with a higher incidence correlated to the Human Development Index in developed nations. There has been a worrying increase in the incidence of CRC in low- and middle-income countries, which is associated with lifestyle changes and increased exposure to modifiable risk factors. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of CRC in Morocco.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Digestive Oncology Department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, analyzing patient records from 2022.
Results
The analysis included 289 patients with CRC, of whom 58.8% were diagnosed with colon cancer and 41.2% with rectal cancer. The mean age at diagnosis was 59.33±14.14 years, ranging from 19 to 90 years. Approximately 10% of the patients were 40 years or younger, while those over 60 accounted for 50.9%. The sex ratio was close to parity at 1.04. Behavioral factors indicated that 5.5% were current smokers and 14.5% were former smokers. Alcohol consumption was exclusive to men, with 1% identified as alcoholics and 8.7% as ex-drinkers. A family history of cancer was noted in 24.6% of the cohort. Preoperative colonoscopy was performed on 97.2% of the patients, and 99.3% received CT scans. MRI was used in 89% of rectal cancer cases. Treatment decisions for 88.9% of the patients were guided by multidisciplinary discussions. Surgical resection was the primary treatment for 58.8% of the patients, with 9.7% undergoing emergency surgeries. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 34.6% of the patients. Among rectal cancer patients, 39.6% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 72.5% underwent radiotherapy. Metastases were detected in 26% of the patients, predominantly affecting the lungs and liver. During the study period, the case fatality rate was 4.8%.
Conclusions
The rising CRC incidence in Morocco highlights the lack of systematic screening programs. Initiatives that prioritize early prevention and detection are urgently needed to address this escalating health issue.
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.