A Comparative Observational Study of Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Surgery Unit.

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective observational study over a 6-year period (2018-2023) on patients aged over 50 with colorectal cancer (CRC), admitted to the Third Department of General Surgery, Clinical Emergency County Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups corresponding to two time periods: 2018-2020 and 2021-2023. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the profile of CRC patients over time through a comparative analysis of the two groups in terms of demographic, clinical, and therapeutic parameters. The study revealed a consistent increase in the incidence of CRC cases over the 6 years we analyzed. At the same time, we observed a more favorable profile of patients with CRC over 50 years old in the second group regarding admission type, a higher proportion of cases diagnosed at earlier stages, and a lower complication rate associated with CRC. These factors were reflected in better adherence to oncologic resection principles, a reduction in postoperative complications, and a shorter hospital stay. The direct consequence is an improvement in long-term prognosis and a decrease in the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, to tilt the balance towards early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, the implementation of a national screening program becomes imperative.