Colorectal carcinoma in young black patients: a report of eight cases

Colorectal carcinoma in the black population of South Africa is very uncommon when compared with incidence among whites. Even in whites the proportion of patients with colorectal carcinoma under 25 years of age is less than 1% (Hardin, 1972). Eight cases of colorectal carcinoma in black patients under 25 years of age are presented. None had any evidence of premalignant lesions of the colon. The prognosis of colorectal carcinoma in young adults is poor in most series and this group of patients was no exception. Reasons for this poor prognosis are mentioned. A more aggressive approach to the early detection and treatment of the lesion in young patients is essential.