Colorectal cancer prognosed to advanced stage and its associated factors in oncologic unit of Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract Introduction: The progression of colorectal cancer to an advanced stage makes its prognosis more difficult and further magnifies the health burden associated with the disease. In spite of this fact, the magnitude of colorectal cancer, which is prognosed at an advanced stage, and the associated factors are not well studied in Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 354 selected patients from March 20, 2018 to March 20, 2023, using the lottery method. Data collectors collected data by reviewing a medical chart using a data abstraction chart. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were applied. Variables with P < 0.25 in bivariable analysis were candidates for multivariable analysis. Variables whose P value is less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered as statistically associated factors. Result: The magnitude of colorectal cancer case that were prognosed to at an advanced stage was 83.3%. Being aged (AOR = 6.1; 95% CI: 2.5–14.9), living at rural area (AOR = 6.6, 95% CI: (2–21)), not medically insured (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 2.3–19.9), delayed to visit a health facility (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: (2.2–13.8)), delayed to seek treatment after being diagnosed (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: (1.1–8.4).), and poor adherence to treatment (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI: (2.1-22.6) were factors associated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer to advanced stage presentation. Conclusion: In this study, magnitude of colorectal cancer prognosed to advanced stage was high. Being aged, rural residency, not medically insured, delay in health facility visit, delay in seeking treatment after diagnosed and poor adherence to treatment were significantly associated with prognosis of colorectal cancer to advanced stage presentation. Especial follow up of the rural community, expanding medical insurance, and improving treatment adherence are strategies that delay the prognosis of colorectal cancer to advanced stage.