The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Research

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 67 views

Analysis of Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2020-2022

Discussion Category: Undergraduate Theses, Education, Journal, Thesis, University, Student, Campus

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases. In 2020, it was estimated that there were 1.93 million new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed, and 0.94 million cases of death caused by this disease. This number is predicted to continue to increase due to lifestyle changes that tend to lead to Western lifestyles. With this background, this study aims to analyze risk factors that contribute to the incidence of colorectal cancer in Adam Malik Hajj Hospital in Medan during the 2020 to 2022 period.

The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Research

Colorectal cancer is a complex disease that is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Understanding the risk factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer is crucial for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on colorectal cancer by analyzing the risk factors that contribute to the incidence of this disease in Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

This study is a descriptive analytical study with a cross-sectional design, using secondary data taken from the patient's medical record. Through this method, all variables related to cases of colorectal cancer will be analyzed to get a better understanding of risk factors that play a role. The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Adam Malik Hospital Medan between 2020 and 2022.

Data Collection and Analysis

The data was collected from the patient's medical record, which included information on demographic characteristics, medical history, and lifestyle factors. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to identify the risk factors that contribute to the incidence of colorectal cancer.

The results showed that the majority of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were between 55 to 64 years, with a percentage of 41%. Most of these patients are male (72%). The most common body mass index (BMI) is found in patients in the range of 23-24.9 (57%). In addition, the history of smoking and alcohol consumption is also a significant factor, where 67% of patients have a history of smoking and 55% have a history of alcohol consumption.

Further analysis shows that most patients with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption are men aged 55 to 64 years with BMI 23-24.9. This shows a clear pattern of risk, where men in this age group tend to have bad habits that contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

The relationship between a history of smoking and alcohol consumption with colorectal cancer looks striking. On average, patients who have a history of smoking also generally have a history of alcohol consumption. This shows that the habit of smoking and consuming alcohol can be mutually influential, and increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, especially in individuals with BMI in the normal range of weight.

From this study, it can be concluded that the risk factor that most influences the incidence of colorectal cancer in Adam Malik Hospital Medan in the period 2020-2022 is a history of smoking, with a value of p = 0.002. These findings emphasize the importance of public health intervention to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, as well as raising awareness about risk factors that can cause colorectal cancer. Better prevention efforts are expected to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in the community.

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Public health intervention programs should be implemented to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption among the general population.
Awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public about the risk factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
Healthcare providers should be trained to identify and manage patients with risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Further research should be conducted to identify other risk factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study relied on secondary data, which may be subject to errors or biases.
The study did not control for other potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.

Future research should focus on identifying other risk factors that contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, as well as developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, further research should be conducted to validate the findings of this study and to identify the most effective public health interventions to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Colorectal Cancer

A: Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum. It is also known as bowel cancer or colon cancer. Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

A: The risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

Age: Colorectal cancer is more common in people over 50 years old.
Family history: People with a family history of colorectal cancer are at higher risk.
Diet: A diet high in red meat, processed meat, and low in fiber may increase the risk.
Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk.
Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
Alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking may increase the risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk.
History of polyps: People with a history of polyps in the colon or rectum are at higher risk.

A: The symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

Blood in the stool
Changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal pain or cramping
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
Loss of appetite

A: Colorectal cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of the following tests:

Colonoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to examine the lining for polyps or cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the sigmoid colon to examine the lining for polyps or cancer.
CT scan: A test that uses X-rays and computer technology to create images of the inside of the body.
MRI: A test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body.
Biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of tissue is removed from the colon or rectum and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

A: The treatment options for colorectal cancer depend on the stage and location of the cancer. They may include:

Surgery: Removing the tumor and surrounding tissue.
Chemotherapy: Using medications to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Using medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: Using medications that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

A: While there is no surefire way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include:

Eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in red meat and processed meat.
Staying physically active.
Not smoking.
Limiting alcohol consumption.
Getting regular colonoscopies or sigmoidoscopies.
Following a healthy weight.

A: The prognosis for people with colorectal cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. In general, the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. With early detection and treatment, the 5-year survival rate for people with colorectal cancer is around 65%. However, if the cancer is detected at a later stage, the prognosis is generally poorer.