Colorectal cancer incidence and clinicopathological features in northern Tunisia 2007–2009

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine CRC incidence and to describe clinicopathological features in north Tunisia for the period 2007–2009. The North Tunisia Cancer Registry was the source of data for the identification of patients. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) were respectively 13.6 cases (7.5/100,000 for colon cancer and 6.2 for rectal cancer) and 11.1 cases (6.5/100,000 for colon cancer and 4.4 for rectal cancer) per 100,000 among male and female. The ASR varied widely by regions in northern Tunisia.  The most common site in colon cancer was the distal colon comparing to the proximal one (49.0 and 29.9% respectively). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type. CRC screening should be strengthened in Tunisia to achieve a reduction of CRC incidence and mortality.