ABO Blood Groups and Lifestyle Factors Risks of Colorectal Cancer: A Case Control Study in the Northern and Middle Areas of Palestine رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for 10% of cancers and is the third-most common cancer in the world and the fourth most common cause of cancer death.CRC is the second-most common cancer type in women and in men is the third amongst Palestinians. Research conducted in this area shows that blood groups might play a significant role in the incidence of tumor cells and their malignancy. However, no study to date has examined the association between ABO blood group and the risk of CRC in Palestine. Objectives: The study is conducted to assess the association between ABO blood groups, Rhesus (Rh) positivity and negativity and risk of CRC among Palestinians. Moreover, the study investigates the known risk factors of CRC, including BMI, physical status and smoking. Methods: This is a retrospective case control (865 CRC cases and 863 controls) study employing a retrospective review of three main hospital records in the West Bank, Palestine (the Istishari Arab Hospital in Ramallah, and Najah Hospital and Al-Watani Hospital in Nablus) including electronic and paper medical records. ABO blood group and known risk factors of CRC (including BMI, physical status and smoking) were identified within the health information system and in the paper files. An age threshold of 50 years was used to differentiate between early and late onset to fix for the fact that data on tumor maker was not available. . We matched healthy patients with CRC cases based on age, gender, and family history were demographic variables studied. Data analysis including descriptive, univariate analyses were done using SPSS version 22 software package. VI No identifiers or personal information was collected or stored including participants’ name, ID numbers or other personal information. Privacy and confidentially was completely protected. Approval to use the HIS data was granted from hospitals and from AAUP. Informed consent is not applicable, as this is a retrospective chart review study. Results: There were statistically significant differences (P < .05) between study cases and controls in terms of blood groups, while RH, lifestyle factors (BMI, physical status and smoking) and survival years (P> .05) showed no significant association with having the CRC.We matching age, gender and family history. However, lifestyle factors (BMI, physical status and smoking), and survival years showed no significant associations with having CRC (P > .05). Conclusion: Blood group “A” have the highest incidence of CRC, while none with A blood type were at low risk of CRC. These results can provide a foundation for preventative programs that would target individuals with specific blood group types who are more prone to develop CRC and recommend that they follow ABO and CRC preventive and screening programs in addition to occult blood and colonoscopies.