Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent tumor in Italy. Friuli Venezia Giulia Region has higher CRC incidence than in population of Northern Italy (33 vs 21/100,000 men and 21 vs 12.1/100.00 females). Several risk factors may increase the chance of developing CRC. Aim of this study was to evaluate if lifestyle habits are linked to the development of advanced adenoma in screening population in Trieste area.
Material and methods: In the present single centre, case-control observational study, 50-74 years old asymptomatic subjects participating in an organized CRC screening program based on immunologic fecal occult blood test and undergoing colonoscopy for positive test received a structured questionnaire investigating lifestyle habits. Patients with advanced adenoma were matched on age and sex with patients with negative colonoscopy (controls).
Results: Since January to May 2015, 400 pts were recruited and data on 234 subjects (78 cases and 156 controls) were evaluated.
Seven variables were selected for multivariate logistic regression analysis: daily intake of fresh fruit, daily 30’walking, units of alcohol consumption, daily intake of raw vegetables, smoking habits, low dose aspirin and vitamins per day. A protective role for the onset for advanced adenoma was found for the intake of fresh fruit (OR for ≥2 vs. 0-1 portions 0.28 CI 0.08-0.78 p=0.02) and daily walking (OR 30’ or more walking vs. <30’ 0.42 CI 0.20-0.87 p=0.02).
Conclusions: Daily intake of fresh fruit and regular physical activity are the only significant protective variables towards the onset of colonic precancerous lesions. The results of this preliminary study underline the importance of the implementation of educational interventions for the whole population
