Colorectal cancer in Lagos: a critical review of 100 cases

This study critically analysed the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in 100 patients with colorectal cancer seen over a twelve year period (1988 to 1999). Comparing our findings with those obtained three decades ago at our institution allowed for determination of time trends. There were 48 males and 52 females giving a sex ratio of approximately 1:1. On the average our patients were 10 to 15 years younger than their Caucasian counterparts and one third were 40 years in age or below. In almost two thirds (61%) of patients, the tumours were in the rectum and sigmoid colon. The tumours were resected in 58 (58%) patients, non-resectional surgery was offered to 28 patients, while 14 patients were inoperable, not fit or refused surgery. Overall 34 (34%) patients had distant metastases. The commonest (91.5%) histological type was adenocarcinoma. The postoperative complication rate was 40%, postoperative mortality was 23.3% and the crude one year survival rate was 64%. The clinicopathologic features of colorectal cancer have not changed over a period of three decades at our institution. Public enlightenment campaigns on cancer and facilities to adequately treat patients with colorectal cancer are required in our subregion.