WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Manar A. Mehdi, Besma Mohamed Ali and Omar T. Hammoodi

ABSTRACT

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a growing public health concern globally, with developing countries like Iraq experiencing a rising incidence. Despite advances in prevention, limited data exist on CRC risk factor prevalence among Iraqi adults, particularly in Baghdad. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of colorectal cancer risk among adults in Baghdad and identify associated demographic and lifestyle factors. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 adults attending Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, from 1 January to 1 June 2025. Participants were selected using convenience random sampling. Data were obtained from medical records and included socio-demographic details, lifestyle habits (smoking, physical activity, diet, BMI), family history, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Risk levels were categorized as low, moderate, or high using validated CRC risk stratification criteria. Statistical associations were analyzed using Chi-square (χ²) tests. Results: Age (χ² = 42.56, p < 0.0001), smoking status (χ² = 26.77, p < 0.0001), BMI (χ² = 27.45, p < 0.0001), physical activity (χ² = 35.44, p < 0.0001), and family history (χ² = 118.36, p < 0.0001) were all significantly associated with CRC risk levels. Older age (≥60 years), smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and a positive family history were strongly linked with moderate to high CRC risk. Gender was not significantly associated with CRC risk (χ² = 2.88, p = 0.24). Conclusion: A significant proportion of adults in Baghdad are at moderate to high risk for colorectal cancer, primarily due to modifiable lifestyle factors and hereditary predisposition. These results highlight the need for targeted screening, public education, and lifestyle intervention programs to mitigate the CRC burden in Iraq.