Abstract 2312: Analysis of mortality and survival in colon cancer at ISSSTECALI from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Fernando Ramírez-Perales, Angélica Pon-Méndez, Diana Evelyn Villa-Guillen, Diego Fernando Ovalle-Marroquin
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, including 2.68% of malignancies in Mexico. In 2018, it caused 880, 000 deaths, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. In Mexico, the lack of organized screening programs leads to late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes. ISSSTECALI, serving government workers in Baja California, faces challenges in CRC detection and management due to healthcare disparities. Objective: This study aims to evaluate survival rates and identify factors associated with colon cancer mortality among patients treated at ISSSTECALI in Baja California, Mexico, from 2017 to 2022. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including patients diagnosed with colon cancer between January 2017 and September 2022. Survival functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between survival curves were assessed with the log-rank test. Mortality risk factors were analyzed using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model. The dependent variable was survival, while age, sex, municipality, histology, metastasis, cancer stage, and treatment type were included as independent variables. Results: A total of 118 colon cancer cases were analyzed, of which 42.3% (50) resulted in mortality. Survival rates were 80.9%, 70.8%, 54.6%, and 46.8% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively. The overall survival rate at the median follow-up (1.58 years) was 76.5%. Significant differences in survival curves were observed based on age group, general syndrome, metastasis, and cancer stage (p &amp;lt; 0.05). In the Cox regression model, metastasis was the strongest predictor of a poor prognosis (HR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.92-9.68). Although the stage at diagnosis showed significant differences in the log-rank test, it was not a significant predictor after adjustment in the Cox model (HR = 2.30, 95% CI: 0.46-11.35). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis in improving survival rates and reducing mortality from colon cancer. It highlights the need for organized and accessible screening programs, particularly in healthcare systems like ISSSTECALI, to ensure timely detection and treatment. Implementing non-invasive screening methods—such as Fecal Occult Blood Testing at age 25 and colonoscopies at age 45 for average-risk individuals—could enhance early detection. The identification of metastasis as a key predictor of poor prognosis highlights the need for targeted interventions for advanced disease. Addressing disparities in cancer detection and management is essential to improve survival rates and reduce the burden of colon cancer in Mexico. Citation Format: Fernando Ramírez-Perales, Angélica Pon-Méndez, Diana Evelyn Villa-Guillen, Diego Fernando Ovalle-Marroquin. Analysis of mortality and survival in colon cancer at ISSSTECALI from 2017 to 2022 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 2312.