Survival rates in elderly colorectal cancer patients: the impact of regional development levels.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate 5-year survival rates and associated prognostic factors in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients aged 65 and older.

METHOD: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 and older who were diagnosed with CRC and had completed a 5-year follow-up. Data were obtained from the Cancer Registry Database of the Sivas Health Directorate and the report of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Türkiye.

RESULTS

A total of 257 elderly patients were analyzed. The median age was 73 years, and 60.3% were male. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological subtype (95.7%), with 71.2% of tumors located in the colon. At diagnosis, 57.2% of patients had metastases, and 74.7% received treatment. The 1 and 5-year survival rates were 63.8% and 39.3%. Higher survival rates were observed among patients aged 65-79, females, and those residing in urban areas. Metastasis was the strongest predictor of poor survival, with only 11.6% of metastatic patients surviving beyond 5 years. Cox regression analysis identified metastasis and lack of treatment as the most significant predictors of reduced survival.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the critical need for early diagnosis and improved access to treatment in elderly CRC patients, particularly those at higher risk.