Abstract:
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an emerging public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with a steadily increasing incidence among adults aged 50 years and above. Epidemiological evidence suggests that rapid dietary transitions, characterized by increased consumption of processed and energy-dense foods alongside reduced intake of traditional fiber-rich diets, may contribute to this trend. Despite the growing burden of CRC, evidence on the role of dietary patterns in Cameroon remains limited. This study investigated the association between dietary patterns and colorectal cancer among adults aged 50 years and above in the North West Region of Cameroon.
Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) Nkwen Hospital, a major referral center for colonoscopy and cancer diagnosis. The study included 260 participants comprising 130 histologically confirmed CRC cases and 130 controls with normal or non-malignant colonoscopy findings. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, clinical features, and dietary intake were obtained from medical records and structured dietary questionnaires. Dietary patterns were identified using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on the frequency of consumption of major food groups. Associations between dietary patterns and CRC were evaluated using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression at a 95% confidence level.
Results: The study population consisted of 154 males (59.2%) and 106 females (40.8%). Participants aged 60–69 years constituted the largest age group in both cases (38.5%) and controls (40.0%), with no significant differences in age distribution between groups (p > 0.05). A significantly higher proportion of males was observed among CRC cases (65.4%) compared with controls (53.1%) (p = 0.04). Dietary patterns characterized by high consumption of red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and fats were significantly associated with increased odds of colorectal cancer, whereas dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains demonstrated a protective association. Clinically, 69.2% of CRC patients were diagnosed at advanced stages (Stage III–IV). The rectum (40.0%) and distal colon (36.9%) were the most frequently affected anatomical sites.
Conclusion: Unhealthy dietary patterns are significantly associated with colorectal cancer among adults aged 50 years and above in the North West Region of Cameroon. The predominance of male cases and the high proportion of advanced-stage diagnoses highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions, enhanced public awareness, and strengthened colorectal cancer screening programs. These findings provide important local evidence to inform dietary recommendations and colorectal cancer prevention strategies in Cameroon and other resource-limited settings.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; dietary patterns; principal component analysis; case-control study; older adults; Cameroon.
Biography:
Multidisciplinary academic, researcher, and examiner with over 13 years of experience in higher education, research, and academic leadership. Currently a Ph.D. Scholar in Life Sciences & Biotechnology, conducting research on dietary patterns and colorectal cancer among older adults using epidemiological, biostatistical, and bioinformatics approaches. Holds postgraduate qualifications in Biochemistry/Bioinformatics, Pharmacology, and Computer Science. Expertise includes clinical Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, health data analysis, statistical modelling, research design, and scientific writing. Experienced in ICT-enhanced teaching, e-learning platforms, and blended instruction. Actively involved in international conferences and national examinations, with a strong commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, research innovation, and evidence-based healthcare education.
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