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Colorectal adenocarcinoma cancer in N ew Z ealand in those under 25 years of age (1997–2007)
Author(s) -
Plunkett Michael,
Murray Melissa,
Frizelle Frank,
Teague Lochie,
Hinder Victoria,
Findlay Michael
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.12380
Subject(s) - medicine , colorectal cancer , disease , adenocarcinoma , cancer , population , family history , lynch syndrome , stage (stratigraphy) , ulcerative colitis , familial adenomatous polyposis , oncology , dna mismatch repair , paleontology , environmental health , biology
Colorectal cancer is common and primarily a disease of older people. Colorectal cancer in patients aged 25 years and under is infrequent and may represent a unique subgroup of patients. This study aimed to describe the population of young people in N ew Z ealand diagnosed with colorectal cancer, their tumour characteristics, management and outcomes. Methods A retrospective clinical study was conducted via review of medical records for all patients 25 years of age and under, diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma in N ew Z ealand between 1 J anuary 1997 and 31 D ecember 2007. Results Fifty patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were identified from the N ew Z ealand C ancer R egistry. Seven had a positive family history of colorectal cancer, while eight had predisposing factors (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis, ulcerative colitis, C rohn's disease, regional enteritis). The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain and weight loss. Twenty‐eight cases presented acutely. Eighteen presented with stage IV disease at diagnosis. Eighteen were referred to a genetics service. Five‐year overall survival was 49%. Discussion Those aged 25 years and under that develop colorectal cancer tend to present acutely and move through the secondary care pathway swiftly, being diagnosed at a more advanced stage, and have a poorer prognosis than their adult counterparts. Familial cancers form a more significant component of youth colorectal cancers compared to the older population and input from genetic service should be considered.