Risk Factors of Early Age Colorectal Cancer among Patients Attending at National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant public health burden worldwide, with a notable trend of increasing incidence among individuals aged 20 to 50 years. Understanding the risk factors associated with early-onset CRC is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies, particularly in limited-resource settings. Objective: This study aimed to identify and analyze the risk factors contributing to the development of early-onset CRC in a population from a limited-resource country. Method: A comparative study was conducted among 178 CRC patients admitted to the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka. Patients were divided into two groups: Group-A (age 20-50 years) and Group-B (age >50 years). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to determine associations between various risk factors and early-onset CRC. Results: The mean age of Group-A subjects was 43.6±7.1 years, significantly younger than Group-B subjects (59.2±9.3 years). Male patients constituted 69.1% of the cohort, with a statistically significant male-to-female ratio of 2.2:1. Higher BMI (≥25) was strongly associated with early-onset CRC (p<0.01). Occupations such as business and middle socioeconomic status were significantly linked to early-onset CRC. Regular exercise (>30 minutes daily) demonstrated a protective effect against CRC development. Consumption of red meat and fast food was associated with a higher risk of CRC, while regular consumption of vegetables was protective. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) presence was significantly associated with early-onset CRC. Conclusions: Male sex, high BMI, specific occupations, dietary factors, and presence of FAP emerged as key risk factors for early-onset CRC. Encouraging regular exercise and promoting healthy dietary habits, particularly reducing red meat and fast-food intake, are crucial in mitigating the risk of early-onset CRC in similar populations.