Colorectal Cancer in the Oncology Department at the Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona, Antananarivo, Madagascar: Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction : Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer morbidity. The epidemiological and therapeutic data available are very limited in Antananarivo. The aim of this study was to provide an updated report on the management of colorectal cancer and know the survival of patients. Patients and Methods : A descriptive retrospective study during 2018 and 2019 carried out in the oncology department of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Antananarivo Hospital. Newly diagnosed patients with histological evidence were included in the study. Results : Sixty-five cases of cancer were collected, including 39 colon cancers and 26 rectal cancers. The average age was 53 years with extremes of 18 and 83 years. In 41.53%, the patients were young people under 50 years old. The sex ratio was 0.95. Four patients ( 6.15%) had a family history of first degree cancer. The left colon was t he most common location in 43.06% of cases. Only 39% of patients were diagnosed within 6 months of the first symptoms. The most common histological type was lieberkuhnian adenocarcinoma (87.69%). None of the patients underwent an immunohistochemistry examination. Stage IV and III accounted fo r 41.53% and 35.38% respectively. The majority (55.38%) of patients h ad benefited from surgery. Chemotherapy was performed in 56.89% of cases. One metastatic patient had received targeted therapy. Nine patients (34.61%) among the 26 with rectal cancers had benefited from concomitant radiochemotherapy. Survival at 30 months was 20%. Conclusion : The survival rate of patients at 30 months is very low. Improving the management of colorectal cancer requires awareness-raising and early detection.