Patterns and Trends of Colorectal Cancer in the United Arab Emirates: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2012-2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second most fatal cancer worldwide. Recent data indicate that colorectal cancer incidence may be increasing in younger age groups. Our primary objective was to assess patterns and trends of colorectal cancer in a tertiary care hospital in Dubai.

Retrospective cohort study, where data from 560 patients diagnosed with CRC in a tertiary care hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 2012 up to 2021 were analyzed. Studied data included sociodemographic, clinical, and histopathologic variables.

The incidence rate of CRC cases increased from 29.9 cases per 1000 patients in 2012 to 118 cases per 1000 patients in 2020, followed by a decrease in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequency of CRC was higher among males (56.4%) compared to females (43.4%). The mean age of patients was 54.8 years old (SD = 13.7). Prevalent nationalities included Emirati (21.6%), Indian (10.4%), and United Kingdom (UK) (8.8%). 175/406 (43.1%) had locally advanced disease (pT4) and 134/424 (31.6%) had metastatic disease at presentation. The percentage of CRC cases diagnosed at ages less than 50 years was consistently high over time, ranging from 24-50% of total CRC cases.

The results indicate an alarming increase in the incidence of CRC, including within the younger population aged ≤50 years. CRC incidence increased from 2012 through 2021 in this tertiary center in Dubai and was common in younger age groups, with the majority diagnosed in advanced stages. This indicates the need for increased screening in this region.