Five-Year Overall Survival of Early- and Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Medellín, Colombia: A Comparative Study

Purpose Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) (EOCRC, < 50 years) has distinct clinicopathological features from late-onset CRC (LOCRC, ≥ 50 years). However, evidence on survival outcomes is contradictory. We aimed to analyse the differences in 5-year overall survival (OS) between EOCRC and LOCRC. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted during 2018–2022. Individuals aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with CRC at two hospitals in Medellín, Colombia were included. Clinicopathological and survival data were retrieved from the medical records and a public government database. Patients were categorized into EOCRC and LOCRC groups. Five-year OS rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and prognostic factors for OS were identified through Cox regression models. Results Among 1022 patients, 52.5% were female, and 13.5% ( n =  138) had EOCRC. EOCRC patients had higher 5-year OS rates than LOCRC patients (54% vs. 32%, Log-Rank, p  = 0.001). Univariable analyses indicated a 37% lower risk of death for EOCRC compared to LOCRC (HR: 0.633, 95% CI: 0.476–0.840). After multivariable analyses, advanced staging and higher tumour grading were prognostic factors for worse OS (HR: 2.127, 95% CI: 1.405–3.220 and HR: 12.896, 95% CI: 6.310-26.355, respectively). Conversely, being in the EOCRC group remained as a prognostic factor for higher OS (HR: 0.482, 95% CI: 0.336–0.690). Conclusion EOCRC is associated with significantly better 5-year OS rates and prognosis compared to LOCRC. Advanced stage and higher tumour grading are predictors of lower OS among all CRC patients. These findings highlight the importance of age-related risk stratification and personalized therapeutic approaches in CRC.