Rectal carcinoma in Riyadh Central Hospital

ABSTRACT

Patients with rectal carcinoma were studied retrospectively in Riyadh Central Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a 4 year period [1985-1988]. There were 53 patients, 34% of whom were below the age of 40. Diagnosis was made after an average of 6.9 months following the first symptoms. This late presentation also reflects the fact that only 58% presented with potentially curable disease. Colostomy was not accepted by 13% of this group, thus losing the chance of possible cure. The diagnostic yield and cure rate should rise if awareness of the disease among medical practitioners and the general population is aroused in our region. Stoma associations can offer health education in this field and are indispensible to the total care of patients with rectal carcinoma