A study lifestyle associated risk factors in etiology of colorectal malignancies

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest malignancies around the world. The incidence of this cancer is fast rising in developing countries owing to rapid urbanization and the adoption of ‘Western lifestyle’. The rise in the incidence among the emigrants from low to high prevalence areas points to an environmental/lifestyle related factor in the etiology of this cancer. This study was undertaken to analyze lifestyle associated risk factors in etiology of CRC in north India.
Material and methods: This case-controlled study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North India. All consecutive consenting adult patients of either gender with histopathological diagnosis of CRC were enrolled in the study and interviewed within one month of diagnosis. Demographic variables, details of physical activity and personal habits like smoking and alcohol use were recorded.
Results: The study included ages and sex matched 85 cases and 109 controls. Males constituted 74% of cases. Ascending colon was the mainly involved site and adenocarcinoma was the most common histological category. The mean BMI and average energy expenditure was significantly lower among cases. The average duration and number of cigarettes/bidis smoked per day was higher among cases (17.54±6.4 vs 10.79±3.4, P =.002) and so was the mean duration of alcohol intake (21.25±6.2 vs 13.49±5.2 years).
Conclusion: The study revealed that obesity, alcohol use and smoking of either cigarettes or bidis was associated with increased risk of CRC. Physical activity, on the other hand was found to have protective effect on CRC.