Colorectal cancer in the Split-Dalmatia County

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of cancer mortality in Split-Dalmatia County.
• Previous data indicated CRC as the second leading cause of cancer deaths during 1993-2005.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze recent trends in colorectal cancer mortality in Split-Dalmatia County.
• To examine patient data for colorectal cancer operated at Split University Hospital Center (2003-2004).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of mortality data for colorectal cancer.
• Review of patient records including sex, age, cancer site, and Dukes staging.
• Statistical analysis of trends and patient demographics.

Main Results:

• Colorectal cancer death rates show an increasing trend in both sexes, higher in men, and increase with age.
• A 2:1 male to female ratio was observed in operated patients.
• Most patients (84.3%) presented with Dukes B or C stage disease; only 9.3% were diagnosed at early stage (Dukes A).
• Sigmoid colon and rectum were the most frequent sites (1.8 times more than other colon sites).

Conclusions:

• Increasing colorectal cancer mortality rates necessitate urgent public health interventions.
• The high proportion of late-stage diagnoses underscores the critical need for organized screening programs for early colorectal cancer detection.
• Targeted screening and public awareness campaigns are essential to reduce colorectal cancer-related mortality.