Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, and, according to the World Health Organisation database GLOBOCAN, it accounts for about 1.4 million new diagnoses annually worldwide. There is an association between the occurrence of colorectal cancer and non-modifiable risk factors, including age and hereditary factors, as well as with modifiable factors linked to the environment and lifestyle choices. Methods: : The study included 800 patients, 400 diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 400 within the control group. The research was based on a clinical, direct, individual, structured, in-depth and focused interview. Assessment of activity and BMI was used according to WHO recommendations, as well as the expert system. Results: : The average age of the patients was 64.53 ± 8.86 years, of the control group I - 59.64 ± 9.33 and the control group II - 57.5 (7.83). The association between the incidence of ulcerative colitis and the risk of colorectal cancer was clearly positive (p<0.001). Among obese subjects, the colorectal cancer risk was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) in comparison with non-obese subjects. The relative risk for current smokers was 2.17 (95% CI 1.79-2.66). Higher fat consumption and higher red meat consumption were also associated with the higher risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.01). Conclusions: : Obesity, low physical activity, active and passive smoking and high salt and red meat consumption have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The results give further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.