Risk factor profiles and predictors of colorectal cancer among adults undergoing screening in Riyadh’s second health cluster: An analytical cross-sectional study
Marwan A. Albeshri, Fahad Y. Alaujan, Ahmed Alsheddi
A
BSTRACT
Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden and among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. CRC patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), particularly Saudi Arabia, are distinct in terms of underlying risk determinants. We aim to estimate the prevalence of CRC, evaluate key risk factors, and evaluate their association with the risk of CRC within our targeted population.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the prevalence of CRC and assess its associated risk factors. All adults attended CRC screening clinics between April 2025 and December 2025, and had a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) included. Patients were then interviewed to collect data on demographics, medical history, and risk factors, and then prepared for a colonoscopy appointment.
Results:
The final analysis included 408 participants (mean age 55.2 ± 8.8 years), of whom 240 (58.8%) attended screening colonoscopy. Smoking was reported by 15%, family history of CRC by 7.6%, physical activity by 14%, high red meat intake by 39%, and low fiber intake by 43%. Invasive carcinoma and high-risk histopathological findings were detected in 7.1% and 7.5%, respectively. In the final logistic regression model, increasing age was independently associated with abnormal colonoscopy findings (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.15 per year; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.23;
Conclusion:
In our study, CRC risk and abnormal colonoscopy findings were primarily associated with increasing age. Our findings highlight the importance of age-based risk stratification and targeted strategies to improve community-based CRC screening.