Risk factors for young-onset colorectal cancer.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

We investigated risk factors for colorectal cancer in early-onset cancers, to provide quantitative estimates for major selected risk factors.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from three Italian and Swiss case-control studies conducted between 1985 and 2009, including 329 colorectal cancer cases and 1,361 controls aged ≤45 years. We computed odds ratios (ORs) from unconditional logistic regression models, adjusted for major confounding factors.

RESULTS:

The OR of young-onset colorectal cancer was 4.50 for family history of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives, the association being higher in subjects with affected siblings (OR 11.68) than parents (OR 3.75). The ORs of young-onset colorectal cancer were 1.56 for ≥14 drinks/week of alcohol, 1.56 for the highest tertile of processed meat, 0.40 for vegetables, 0.75 for fruit, and 0.78 for fish intake. Among micronutrients, the ORs were 0.52 for β-carotene, 0.68 for vitamin C, 0.38 for vitamin E, and 0.59 for folate. No significant associations emerged for physical activity, overweight, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study-the largest on young-onset colorectal cancer-confirms that several recognized risk factors for colorectal cancer are also relevant determinants of young-onset colorectal cancer. Family history of colorectal cancer in particular is a stronger risk factor in young subjects, as compared to middle age and elderly ones.

• Authors: Valentina Rosato, Cristina Bosetti, Fabio Levi, Jerry Polesel, Antonella Zucchetto, Eva Negri, Carlo La Vecchia
• Journal: Cancer causes & control : CCC (Cancer Causes Control) Vol. 24 Issue 2 Pg. 335-41 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1573-7225 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23224326 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Age of Onset
• Case-Control Studies
• Colorectal Neoplasms (epidemiology)
• Diet
• Female
• Humans
• Italy (epidemiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Risk Factors
• Switzerland (epidemiology)