Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer: A Case-control Study in Egypt, 2022

Abstract

Background:In the literature, it has been pointed out that lifestyle and environmental factors might contribute substantially to the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). Identifying modifiable risk factors would be crucial for prevention. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors for CRC. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Maadi Armed Forces Medical Complex in Egypt in 2022, including 101 cases and 101 controls. All participants underwent face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire to gather information about sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, dietary and gastrointestinal habits, family, medical, and reproductive history, and occupational data. Regression analysis was done to model CRC as a function of the potential risk factors. Results: In univariate analysis, CRC was significantly associated with positive family history for CRC, not attaining higher education, not having a spouse, infrequent fruit and vegetable consumption, frequent consumption of processed meat, sedentary behavior, and bowel movements more than once per day. According to the multivariate regression analysis, four independent predictors of CRC were identified, namely: positive family history of CRC [OR = 8.70, 95% CI = 1.60,48.8], sedentary behavior more than 6 hours per day [OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.60,8.1], bowel movements more than once per day [OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.1,4.1], and not attaining higher education [OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.3,4.8]. Conclusion:The study highlighted predictors of CRC. Awareness campaigns and screening of high-risk groups are recommended. Moreover, longitudinal multicentric studies with objective evaluations of physical activity and dietary consumption are required.