New research reports increased prevalence of obesity, hypertension and atrial fibrillation (afib) among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).
Cancer registry data show that survival of CRC in the United Kingdom is poor compared with other European countries and the United States, but the data lack information on patient comorbidities and medication use, which could help explain these differences.
In the current study, published in BMC Cancer, data from the Health Improvement Network (2000-2014) was used to evaluate patient demographics, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and medication use and bowel screening.
CRC incidence rates per 10,000 person-years were 9.27 in 2000, 10.65 in 2007 and 8.37 in 2014. Incidence rates were higher in men than women at 11.44 vs 7.40 in 2000 and 9.39 vs 7.38 in 2014.
An increase was seen in the proportion of CRC cases diagnosed in people younger than 60 years. In 2002, 3.5% of CRC cases were diagnosed at age 40-49 years compared with 5.1% in 2014. Similarly, in 2002, 12.5% were diagnosed at age 50-59 years compared with 16.2% in 2014.
Increases in the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, hypertension and afib were seen among CRC cases compared with non-cases: diabetes. The use of proton pump inhibitors, antihypertensives and warfarin also increased more among CRC cases than non-cases.
The authors say the increased prevalence of some comorbidities and medications among CRC cases should be considered when evaluating patterns in CRC survival.
