CLINICAL-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF COLORECTAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND OBESITY AS AN ASSOCIATED RISK FACTOR IN THE MIDWEST OF BRAZIL BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common neoplasm with increasing incidence in Goiás, alongside a growing prevalence of obesity. The interaction between obesity, genetic factors, and cytokines contributes to carcinogenesis, facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis. Understanding this interaction is crucial to characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile and guide prevention and management strategies for CRC. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of the population affected by CRC and its relationship with obesity as a risk factor in Brazil’s Central-West region from 2018 to 2023. Methodology: A cross-sectional ecological study with a quantitative approach was conducted using secondary data from DATASUS and SISVAN to assess obesity and CRC. The year 2023 was used as a comparative baseline. Results: A total of 13,677 CRC cases and 2,972,805 obesity cases were identified. The highest number of CRC cases occurred in 2019. There was a significant increase in individuals with BMI ≥ 30 in 2018 (p < 0.001), 2019 (p < 0.001), and 2020 (p < 0.001). CRC cases also rose significantly across all age groups in 2018, 2019, and 2020 compared to 2023 (p < 0.001). Older adults and females were the most affected, though cases spanned various ages. Conclusion: Although a direct correlation could not be confirmed due to data limitations, the association between obesity and CRC was evident. The study emphasizes the need for continuous epidemiological monitoring and further comprehensive research to deepen the understanding of this relationship and to support more effective public health policies.