Scenario of Colorectal Cancer at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Retrospective Observational Study

Background: Colorectal cancer is an increasing health problem in developing countries including Bangladesh, as local data on patient characteristics and treatment patterns remain limited. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile, disease characteristics, and treatment patterns of colorectal cancer patients treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Oncology, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, over a four- year period from 2020 to 2023. Medical records of 100 patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancer were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical and pathological findings, treatment regimens, and treatment-related toxicities were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most patients were middle-aged (46%) adults, with a clear male predominance (74%) and a majority coming from rural areas (85%). Adenocarcinoma (62%) was the most common histological type, and most tumors were of moderate grade (87%). While colonic involvement was more prevalent (72%), adjuvant chemotherapy was the most commonly used treatment approach (41%). Treatment-related toxicities were common, with hand and foot syndrome (35%) being the most frequently reported adverse effect. Conclusion: Colorectal cancer patients in this setting commonly present at a relatively younger age and with more advanced disease. The predominance of moderate to high-grade tumors and the frequent need for systemic therapy highlights delayed presentation. These findings emphasize the need for improved awareness, early detection strategies, and strengthened cancer care services in Bangladesh. Abbreviation: Colorectal cancer: CRC; Adenomatous Polyposis Coli: APC; Kirsten-ras: K-ras; Fecal Immunochemical Test: FIT