No increase in colorectal cancer in patients under 50 years of age: A Victorian experience from the last decade

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed to assess whether there has been an increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among young patients in Victoria and whether such cancers are more advanced at presentation. Method: The Victorian Cancer registry database was searched for patients, 18-50 years of age, diagnosed with CRC [young colorectal cancer (YCRC)] between 2000 and 2010. Average annual percentage changes and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to characterize trends in CRC rates over time and to make comparisons with patients over 50 years of age with CRC [late colorectal cancer (LCRC)]. Results: Of 37432 CRCs registered during the study period, 2635 (7%) were in YCRC patients (annual..