Pattern of Colorectal Cancer Presentations at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasingly recognized as a significant oncological burden in sub-Saharan Africa, with emerging evidence pointing to rising incidence in younger Nigerian populations. This study describes the clinical pattern, stage at presentation, and short-term surgical outcomes of colorectal cancer cases managed at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna State, in the North West zone. A retrospective case series of 120 histologically confirmed CRC patients seen between 2019 and 2023 was conducted. Data on patient demographics, symptom duration before presentation, tumour location, histological subtype, and surgical intervention were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The majority of patients presented at advanced stages (Dukes C and D), with rectal bleeding and intestinal obstruction as the predominant presenting symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms before presentation was 14 months. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant histological type. Emergency surgical interventions, primarily diverting colostomies, were performed in 42% of cases. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak and wound dehiscence. The study emphasizes the urgent need for CRC awareness campaigns targeting at-risk age groups, and recommends incorporation of colonoscopy services into routine outpatient surgical practice at tertiary facilities in North West Nigeria. Keywords: colorectal cancer, rectal bleeding, ABUTH Zaria, colostomy, Nigeria