The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Georgia continues to increase: A population-based registry study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: CRC is one of the most common and serious public health problem. In Georgia, it ranks among the top five most fatal cancers for both men and women. This study aimed to utilize cancer registry data to evaluate the incidence and stage distribution of CRC in Georgia. METHODS: The study included all new cases of CRC registered in Georgia during the period 2018-2021 (classified under ICD-10 codes C18-C21). The annual gender- and age-group-specific population figures were obtained from the National Statistics Office of Georgia (GEOSTAT). RESULTS: Among the cases analyzed, the majority of patients were men (53.23%). Only about one third of the cases were diagnosed at the localized stage. The study found that the number of patients diagnosed with CRC in Georgia gradually increased from 2018 to 2021. The age-standardized incidence rates of CRC in men and women in 2021 were 17.09 and 12.04 per 100,000 individuals, respectively, with men having a slightly higher rate. The crude and direct age-standardized incidence rates increased over the 4-year period, but slightly changed in 2020. The directly adjusted incidence rate over the 4-year period was 55.44 per 100,000 population. The share of distant stage has reduced in both men and women from 2018 to 2021, but detection at localized stage remains low. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of colorectal cancer in Georgia increased with advancing stage, emphasizing the need to enhance the country's cancer control program to improve screening uptake.