Association of Family History and Life Habits in the Development of Colorectal Cancer: A Matched Case-Control Study in Mexico

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and, as such, is important for public health. The increased incidence of this neoplasm is attributed to non-modifiable controls such as family history and modifiable variable behavioral risk factors involved in lifestyle like diets in Mexico. The presence of these factors is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate family history and lifestyle factors associated with developing colorectal cancer in a Mexican population. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR), as well as the 95% confidence intervals (CI). In this paper, significant differences were demonstrated between cases and controls. A family history of cancer (FHC) increased the probability of CRC [OR = 3.19 (95% CI: 1.81-5.60)]. The area of urban residence was found to be a protective factor compared to the rural area. This was also the case for frequent consumption of fruits [OR = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.28-0.88)], the frequent consumption of beef [OR = 2.95 (95% CI: 1.05-8.26)], pork [OR = 3.26 (95% CI: 1.34-7.90)], and region-typical fried food [OR = 2.79 (95% CI (1.32-5.89)]. These results provide additional evidence supporting the association of some CRC risk factors with family history of cancer, low fruit consumption, high consumption of red meat, and fried foods typical of the region of Mexico. It is important to establish intervention methods, as well as genetic counseling to relatives of patients with CRC.