Incidence of colorectal cancer in Eritrea: Data from the National Health Laboratory, 2011-2017

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have reported a significant increase in the prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Further, several studies employing disparate modelling algorithms have projected a significant rise in the frequency of CRC cases in the region. However, lack of good quality data on multiple themes related to CRC including incidence, among others, continues to be a problem in the region. Therefore, this study was designed to collect data on the incidence of CRC in Eritrea. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using data captured between 2011 and 2017 at the National Health Laboratory (NHL) in Asmara, Eritrea. RESULTS: 241 colorectal cases were identified in the Eritrean National Health Laboratory (NHL) database between 2011 and 2017. In the final analysis we included 94 patients confirmed cases giving an average of 18.8 patients per annum. The average age ± Standard deviation (SD) was 57.62 ± 17.14 with a male: female ratio of 58/36 (1: 1.61). The minimum and maximum age of the patients was 19 and 90 years, respectively. The rectum to colon ratio was 47/47 (1:1). The proportion of patients < 50 years in this cohort was significant. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) in the study period was between 0.97 per 100 000 to 2.21 per 100 000. Similarly, the cumulative ASIR was 9.97 per 100 000. Analysis of trends did not reveal shifts over the study period (P<0.05). However, a strong correlation between incidence and age was established. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the incidence of CRC in Eritrea is relatively low. A significant number of patients were less than 50 years of age. Even then it’s our opinion that this study may underestimate the incidence of CRC.