Study on Colorectal Cancer in Kashmiri (Indian) Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

ABSTRACT

Carcinoma of the colon and rectum is a relatively uncommon malignancy in Kashmir (north India) when compared with the western world. Colorectal cancer is generally a disease affecting individuals 55 years of age and older and is much less common in persons under 35 years of age. Methods: One hundred and fifty six colonoscopies were performed by a single gastroenterologist in GMC Srinagar. We find the anatomical distribution and age at diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed by colonoscopy for evaluation of their symptoms in a teaching hospital in Kashmir India, Records of patients who had complete colonoscopic examination till the cecum, presence of tumor in the colon or rectum, and biopsy showing adenocarcinoma, were scrutinized. Results: Age-stratified incidence of CRC showed that majority of the cases were in the age group 55–65 years (30.76%), followed by 45-55 years (20.5%). There were 19 (12.2%) cases of CRC below the age of 35 years. Conclusion: Colorectal cancer (CRC) in Kashmiri (Indian) occurs at a younger age and is often distal to the splenic flexure.