Prospective observational study on etiological factors, clinical profile and pattern of metastases of colorectal cancer: in a rural population of Central India – a tertiary cancer centre study

Shyamji Rawat; Karthick Raju V. A.; Anjanette Nabiyal; B. Navya Sahithi; Abhishek Badgoliya; Dhirendra K. Panwar

doi:10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20260041

Authors

Shyamji Rawat Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3757-5401
Karthick Raju V. A. Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2137-8822
Anjanette Nabiyal Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4232-1235
B. Navya Sahithi Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9154-7280
Abhishek Badgoliya Post Graduate Resident, Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6170-1310
Dhirendra K. Panwar Cancer Hospital, NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6999-7465

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20260041

Keywords:

Colorectal cancer, Epidemiology, Central line, Metastasis pattern, Clinical profile, Demographic study

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence has increased in Asian countries with 2-4 times surge in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. There is a significant interaction between lifestyle changes and genetic predispositions. This study, involving 332 patients from central India, investigates the demographic patterns, epidemiological aspects, pattern of metastases, and clinical profiles of patients from the rural central India.

Methods: A prospective observational study was performed at State Cancer Institute, NSCB Medical College in Jabalpur, focussed on all cases of colorectal carcinoma registered at our institution from 2017 to 2023. Staging followed the recent AJCC 8th edition and treatment as per the recent NCCN guidelines.

Results: Among 332 CRC patients (24.09% aged 0–39 years (mean 29.2), 75.91% >40 years (overall mean 48.3)), abdominal pain (50%, n=166) and tobacco use (45.18%, n=150) predominated. Stage III/IV (68.38%, n=227), liver metastases (n=78), and rectal tumours (49.72%, n=165). Rural residents (62.65%, n=208) and illiteracy (29.52%, n=98) were common. Right-sided CRC correlated with females (55%) and mucinous histology (23.1%). Young cases rose 3–5% annually, peaking post-COVID.

Conclusion: This tertiary cancer hospital study (2017-2023) highlights that 68.38 % of patients presented with Stage III/IV disease mostly from rural population. Most cases were sporadic, with no significant family history. Rectum was the most common site, and liver the predominant site of metastasis. Dietary habits indicate low fibre and high red meat intake may contribute to CRC risk. These findings highlight the need for early screening, public awareness, and targeted interventions to address modifiable risk factors in rural populations.

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