Abstract
Background and objectives: Colonoscopy is a highly sensitive test for detecting malignant and premalignant colon conditions. Colorectal cancer, ranking as the third most prevalent malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, is often detected late when treatment is less effective. This study aimed to assess the importance of screening colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
Methods: In this prospective study conducted from March 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. Initially, data were collected from 160 normal participants without any abnormality. However, 40 individuals (26 males and 14 females) were excluded due to incomplete data. Following informed consent, a colonoscopy was performed under aseptic conditions for each participant. All biopsies and polyps removed during the procedure were subsequently sent for histopathological examination to classify the types of polyps and rule out malignancy. In total, 120 participants were included in the final analysis.
Results: Among 120 participants, 57.5% were male, with 67.9% showing abnormalities, and 42.5% were female, with 32.1% showing abnormalities (p=0.040). No significant differences were observed in colonoscopy findings by age, body mass index, or family history of colorectal cancer. Smoking was associated with abnormal findings (p=0.042), and body mass index with lesion type (p=0.025)
Conclusion: This study revealed that many asymptomatic individuals have premalignant lesions in the colon, and screening colonoscopy can help prevent these lesions from progressing to cancer.