Colorectal carcinoma in Western Libya: a Retrospective Study on Libyan Patients treated at Subrata National Cancer Institute (SNCI) in 2024

Background: Cancer is an important health concern in Libya, especially in the setting of an aging population and limited healthcare facilities. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of them. The prevalence of CRC in the world has demonstrated a notable upward trend in recent years, ranking as the second most common cancer among men and the third among women. This research aims to study CRC in the western region of Libya in terms of some non-modifiable risk factors such as age, gender, regional distribution, and genetic predisposition. Method and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving 202 individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the Subrata National Cancer Institute (SNCI) in 2024, aiming to represent colorectal cancer among Libyan patients. Results: Overall, cancer was more prevalent among males than females; it affected 113 (55.9%) males and 89 (44.1%) females. 149 (73.8%) of all recorded cases were found in coastal areas, the area documented the highest percentage of all cases found in the western region of Libya. About 43.1% of patients were >60 years old, followed by 33.7% within the age group of 51-60 years old. In this study, patients presented with anemia, with mean hemoglobin levels appearing lower in females compared to males. 24.2% of patients have a positive family history of CRC, and only 5.4% have a positive family history of colorectal polyps.. Conclusion: The current Libyan CRC cohort shows that the average age at diagnosis was more than 60 years, with a male gender predominance. All patients presented with low hemoglobin levels. CRC occurred more frequently in coastal areas than in mountainous areas in Libya's western region.