Colorectal carcinoma in patients less than 40 years of age

Abstract

The mean incidence of colorectal carcinoma in persons under age 40 in Sweden is 1.74/100,000 per year. Over a 30-yr period, 1950-1979, 1061 patients with colorectal carcinoma were seen, 48 of whom were under age 40 (21-39 yr) and in this study were compared with older patients. Carcinoma was superimposed upon ulcerative colitis in 18 patients. All patients treated for palliation died within 2 yr. Curability rate, 67% and the proportion of Dukes'' A lesions were the same as in older patients, whereas young patients had fewer B and more C lesions. Five-yr survival was 33% overall and 50% in curable cases, not different from the rates in older patients (33 and 47%). Five-yr survival was 100% in stage A, 50% in stage B and 33% in stage C. The age factor had no impact upon survival and colitic origin of a carcinoma did not decrease survival more than did carcinoma itself. Colorectal carcinoma in patients under age 40 differs in no respect from the disease in older patients.