Colorectal cancer: case-control study of sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric parameters in Riyadh.

This case-control study compared sociodemographic variables, lifestyle and certain anthropometric parameters of 50 patients hospitalized with colorectal cancer with those of 50 age- and sex-matched controls at a referral hospital in Riyadh. Among cases, females were generally more affected by gastrointestinal symptoms and 4% of male patients had a family history of colorectal cancer. Unlike weight and height, body mass index did not differ between cases and controls, but poor knowledge of high-fibre diets was a significant factor. Regression analysis showed low education level, unemployment and not taking exercise regularly were significant risk factors for colorectal cancer. Better education and awareness of colorectal cancer screening is recommended.