A twenty-year review of malignant colorectal neoplasms at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Further work is required to determine prognostically significant features of colorectal cancer in our environment.

Malignant Gastrointestinal Tumours in South Western Nigeria: A Histopathologic Analysis of 713 Cases

“…19 About 23% of the colorectal tumours in the present series occurred below forty years of age, a figure which is lower than existing studies from other parts of Nigeria with figures ranging between 35-42%. [7][8] In consonance with previous studies however, the predominant histological type in this series is adenocarcinoma with location in the distal colon and male sex preponderance. [7][8][9]18 Recent studies have shown that there are about five molecular subtypes of colorectal carcinoma having different pathogenetic pathways and these correlate with the morphological and prognostic features.…”

“…[7][8] In consonance with previous studies however, the predominant histological type in this series is adenocarcinoma with location in the distal colon and male sex preponderance. [7][8][9]18 Recent studies have shown that there are about five molecular subtypes of colorectal carcinoma having different pathogenetic pathways and these correlate with the morphological and prognostic features. 21 It is no longer enough for pathologist to give microscopic diagnosis but also to provide other relevant prognostic information.…”

“…17 Earlier studies from Ibadan, Southern West Nigeria had showed lower incidence but after 2 decades, Iliyasu et al recorded 81% increase in colonic cancer from the same centre. 7 The increase has been attributed to change in dietary content from fibre-rich to westernized low fibre diet as well other factors relating to increase in hospital attendance by the populace. The mean age of 49.9 years in the present series for colorectal cancer is comparable with 44.3 years, 44 years and 53 years recorded in Jos, Ibadan and Ife respectively and over 60% occurred in patients less than sixty years.…”

“…6 Colorectal carcinoma is the commonest malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract in Nigeria and it occurs more in the young and middle aged; adenocarcinoma being the predominant type. [7][8][9] In other studies, liver cancer is the most common type in West Africa. 10 The familial polyposis syndromes as well as dietary factors particularly high calorie intake, low fibre diet, high intake of refined carbohydrate, high intake of cholesterol and low intake of protective micronutrients such as vitamins A, C and E as well as increased faecal transit time and inadequate physical exercise have been implicated as high risk factors.…”

Colorectal Cancer in Egypt

“…Iliyasu et al 17 and Tovar-Guzman et al 18 attributed the increasing incidence of CRC in their developing communities to changes in dietary habits toward a western type of diet. In Egypt, although definite changes in dietary habits and life style have occurred over the past two decades in the form of increasing consumption of protein and fat and increasing standards of living, nevertheless, the per capita consumption of such nutrients is still much less than the Western prototype.…”