“Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Saudi Arabia: The Role of Surgery in Survival Rates”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.510Keywords:
Colorectal Cancer, Saudi Arabia, Surgery, Survival Rates, Screening, Healthcare Disparities, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Public Health Policy, Saudi Vision 2030, Cancer Epidemiology.Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern and ranks among the top three most common malignancies in Saudi Arabia. Despite advances in treatment, CRC survival rates in the Kingdom remain suboptimal due to late-stage diagnoses, disparities in surgical care access, and inconsistent treatment quality. Surgery remains the primary curative intervention, yet its role and impact on survival outcomes in the Saudi context require comprehensive evaluation.
Objectives: This systematic review aims to synthesize existing evidence on colorectal cancer incidence trends, surgical outcomes, barriers to timely surgical care, and regional disparities in Saudi Arabia. The goal is to assess how surgical interventions influence CRC survival rates and inform national healthcare strategies.
Methods: A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature and gray sources was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Saudi Digital Library, alongside local sources such as the Saudi Cancer Registry and Ministry of Health reports. Studies from 2013 to 2023 focusing on CRC in Saudi Arabia were included. Data extraction encompassed demographics, staging, surgical outcomes, barriers, and regional variations. Quality assessment employed the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Narrative synthesis and thematic analysis were conducted.
Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. CRC incidence in Saudi Arabia has significantly increased, with a predominance of advanced-stage diagnoses. Surgical intervention, particularly timely and minimally invasive surgery, was consistently associated with improved survival outcomes. However, disparities in access to surgical care, especially in peripheral regions, and socio-cultural barriers impeded optimal treatment delivery. Emergency surgeries were linked to higher mortality rates. Public healthcare institutions demonstrated superior outcomes compared to private sectors. Emerging biomarker-driven surgical approaches showed promise for personalized treatment.
Conclusions: Surgical intervention plays a pivotal role in improving CRC survival rates in Saudi Arabia. Addressing systemic barriers, enhancing surgical infrastructure, and implementing nationwide screening programs are essential for improving outcomes. Policy alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 is crucial to ensure equitable access and standardization of care.
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