Clinicopathological Features of Colorectal Cancer in Young Patients in Comparison with Older Patients
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Keywords
diabetes mellitus, inpatient, performance measure, glycemic control, critical care unit, glucometrics
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has traditionally been considered a disease of older adults; however, recent evidence shows an increasing incidence among younger patients. Understanding the differences in clinicopathological features between young and older individuals is essential for improving early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Aim: The primary objective of this study is to compare the demographic profiles and clinicopathological characteristics of younger patients (aged <40 years) with those of older patients (aged ≥40 years) diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Methods: Eighty-five consecutive patients admitted to our hospital were prospectively followed for their entire hospital stay or up to 7 days, whichever came first. Each patient's blood glucose measurement was recorded according to ward protocol. Indices included total blood glucose per ward, per patient-day, or patient stay, and percentage blood glucose levels per predefined cut points to assess the incidence of hypo-, eu-, and hyperglycemia. The trial registration number at Clinicaltrials.org is NCT04800861. Results: Total data consisted of 645 blood glucose tests from 85 patients and 284 patient-day results, with an average of 2.27 tests per patient-day and 7.59 measurements per patient stay. The percentage of blood glucose in the range (80–180 mg/dL) varied by model, with patient-day showing the highest results at 48.24%, while the percentage of patients with hypoglycemia (blood glucose <60 mg/dL) was highest per patient stay at 1.18%. Conclusions: Younger colorectal cancer patients in this study presented more frequently with rectal tumors, poor differentiation, and advanced disease stages. Despite similar symptom profiles, delayed diagnosis may contribute to worse pathological features. These findings support the need for greater awareness and consideration of earlier screening in younger populations.
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