Demographic and clinicopathological patterns of colorectal cancer among a sample of the Iraqi population

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, with its incidence influenced by various environmental and demographic factors such as diet, lifestyle, and socioeconomic conditions. In Iraq, limited data are available on the clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients, especially within specific institutions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinicopathological patterns of colorectal cancer in patients attending Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out on 389 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer between March 2024 and March 2025. Patient records were analyzed to determine age distribution, occupational status, and residential background. Results: The mean age of patients was 54.46 years (±0.770). The highest frequency of cases was observed in the 61-70-year age group (26.99%), followed by those aged 51-60 years (24.68%). Pediatric and adolescent cases were rare, with only one case in a patient aged ≤10 years and nine cases among those aged 11-20. Regarding occupation, 52.44% of the patients were not employed, while 47.56% were categorized as workers. In terms of geographic distribution, the majority of patients (54.24%) resided in urban areas, with 45.76% coming from rural settings. Conclusion: The study highlights that CRC predominantly affects older adults, with a slightly higher prevalence in urban populations. These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness programs and early screening strategies tailored to at-risk demographics in Iraq, particularly within urban settings.