CLINICPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF COLORECTAL CANCER FROM A TERTIARY CENTRE IN NORTHERN INDIA

Background: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) rates are on the rise. This trend is also observed in middle- and lowincome nations, attributed to their expanding populations and the adoption of Western dietary habits and lifestyles. Methods: The study encompassed all CRC cases diagnosed at IGMC, Shimla (the sole tertiary cancer care facility in Himachal Pradesh, India) from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on clinical features, pathology, and treatment protocols were documented. The study Results: included 165 patients, with a higher proportion of males. The average age was 56.8 years, with 34% under 50. The most frequent symptoms were appetite loss and weight reduction (97%), and the rectum was the primary site of occurrence (42%). Signet ring-type cells were identied in 15% of cases histopathologically. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages: 3 (36%) and 4 (32%). Treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating radiation oncologists, surgeons, and medical oncologists. The majority of p Conclusion: atients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with a notably young affected population. This led to complicated management . Additional epidemiological research, including genetic studies, is necessary to better understand CRC presentation in our state.