A Retrospective Study From a Single Center in Romania of 36 Patients Aged Between 37 and 59 Years Who Presented With Locally Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Background The incidence of colorectal carcinoma is increasing in younger adults. This retrospective study was conducted at a single center in Romania and included 36 patients aged between 37 and 59 years who presented with locally advanced colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to show the importance of colorectal cancer screening in young patients. Materials and methods The study included 36 patients with histologically proven colorectal cancer evaluated in OncoFort Hospital. Disease staging was based on surgical findings and pre or post-operative abdominal CT or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis. The inclusion criteria were defined as a history of adjuvant chemotherapy plus radiotherapy and whether one had locally advanced colorectal cancer or recurrent or metastatic disease. Results Of the 36 patients, 13 (36.11%) were women, and 23 (63.8%) were men. The mean age was 47.4 years (range: 37-59 years). The colon cancers were more frequent than tumours of the rectum (n = 19, 52.77% versus n = 17, 47.23%). A total of 44.44% of patients were classified as stage III-IV. We found no significant correlation between mutation status or histologic grade and age. Conclusion This real-world study from a single center in Romania highlights that colorectal carcinoma may present in advanced stages in younger patients and may support consideration of a need to perform further studies to determine if the current age recommendations for screening should be lowered.