Colorectal cancer associated with pregnancy in Kaduna

Abstract

The incidence of colorectal cancer associated with pregnancy is low. Only 2-6% of all females suffering from colorectal cancer are within the child bearing age (i.e. under 40 years). This paper describes the experience at the Ahmadu Belle University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria, from 1 January 1975 to 31 December 1997. Twenty-five cases of colorectal cancer associated with pregnancy were seen and treated; 15 cases in which colorectal cancer occured de novo in pregnant patients; and 10 cases in which pregnancy(ies) occurred in patients with a previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Treatment of the cancer, future pregnancies and their management, and the question of possible prophylactic oophorectomy in selected patients are discussed.