BMI and other Risk Factors Effects on Colon Cancer Prognosis in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Asian developing countries share the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) with rising mortality rates. This prospective study aims to apprehend the clinical relevance of age, gender, lifestyle choices (dietary habits and addiction), and body mass index (BMI) to the occurrence and progression of colon cancer (CC). Methods: A cohort of non-cancer and CC patients of South-Central Asian origin registered for screening colonoscopy or surgery at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan, from 2015 - 2020 was identified. BMI (Kg/m²) was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria as underweight (<18.5 Kg/m²), normal weight (18.5-24.9 Kg/m²) and overweight (≥25 Kg/m²). Results: Among 236 participants, 99 (41.9%) belonged to the NC group, and 137 (58.1 %) participants had CC. Overall, participants included 74 women and 162 men aged 20 - 85 years (mean ± SD; 49.9 ± 14.9). Notably, 46.0 % of cancer patients had a family history of cancer. There was a direct relationship between CC with abnormal BMI (underweight and overweight), positive smoking history and positive family history of cancer. Conclusion: Being underweight or overweight is a potential risk factor for CC patients. The overall survival in patients with CC is clinically associated with lifestyle choices before CC diagnosis. A balanced diet, walking and other forms of exercise should be strongly recommended to the community and those undergoing screening colonoscopy.