Colorectal cancer in patients over 75 years of age—determinants of outcome

Two hundred and two consecutive patients with colorectal cancer, aged 75 years or older, diagnosed between 1980 and 1990, were followed up from the date of diagnosis until their death or until October 1994. Of these, 194 underwent some type of surgery, in 151 cases elective and in 43 emergency. The peri-operative mortality rate was 10.8% and the overall 5-year survival rate 28%. The ASA score was a predictor for both peri-operative mortality and survival. Peri-operative mortality was significantly increased among patients who had palliative operations, and those with post-operative complications and blood transfusions. Overall survival was worse for patients with absence of blood in the stools or absence of anaemia, for patients who lived in institutions pre-operatively, and for patients with advanced tumour stages. We conclude that the survival rate in elderly patients with colorectal cancer is acceptable after surgery. Old age is not a risk factor per se for peri-operative mortality or poor prognosis, and should not disqualify a person from operation.