Study of Colorectal Cancer in Qatar

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in Qatar and compare it with other parts of the world. To collect demographic data on colorectal cancer in Qatar (age and sex distribution) and to collect anatomic pathology data on colorectal cancer in Qatar.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected from hospital records was used to review the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer in Qatar. During the period 1994-1998, one hundred and twenty patients with colorectal cancer were seen at Hamad General Hospital.

RESULTS: Mean annual incidence was 24 patients/year. Forty-five patients were Qataris and 75 were non Qataris. Of the Qatari patients 26 (58%) were males and 19 (42%) females, male/female ratio was 1.4:1. Nine (20%) patients were under the age of 40 years, the presenting symptoms, physical signs and the stage of the disease were similar to other studies. Descending and sigmoid colon was the most common anatomical site affected. The most common histopathological type was adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of colorectal cancer in Qatar is lower than most of the industrial countries, this may be due to certain factors such as young population, high intake of fruits and vegetables and the life style of the people in Qatar. The incidence in the people below the age of 40 years is higher than industrial countries and, in males due to the demographic structure of the population in Qatar.