Comparative analysis of outcomes and sociodemographic factors in early- and late-onset colorectal cancer hospitalizations
Background The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as diagnosis before age 50, is rising despite declining overall colorectal cancer (CRC) rates. EOCRC presents distinct clinical challenges, with emerging associations to obesity and sociodemographic disparities. This study compares hospitalization trends, inpatient outcomes, and sociodemographics in EOCRC vs. late-onset CRC (LOCRC). Methods Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2016–2020), we identified hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of CRC. Patients were categorized from a hospital-based classification of EOCRC (<50 years) or LOCRC (≥50 years). Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between body mass index (BMI), demographics, and outcomes including inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and chemotherapy use. Results Among 246,231 CRC hospitalizations, 13.7% (n=33,662) were EOCRC. Compared to LOCRC, EOCRC patients were more likely to be female [odds ratio (OR): 1.09], Black (OR: 1.17), Hispanic (OR: 1.56), or Asian (OR: 1.29), and more often covered by Medicaid, private insurance, or have no coverage. EOCRC patients had higher rates of tobacco use disorder (OR: 1.26) and depression (OR: 1.13), but lower prevalence of diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and alcohol use disorder. EOCRC hospitalizations had lower inpatient mortality (OR: 0.649). Inpatient chemotherapy was more common in EOCRC (OR: 1.78). Obesity was positively associated with EOCRC for BMI 30–39 (OR: 1.07) and BMI ≥40 (OR: 1.50), while LOCRC showed inverse associations for the same BMI groups. Conclusions EOCRC is associated with unique demographic and clinical profiles when compared to LOCRC, highlighting disparities by race, insurance status, and comorbidities. The higher rate of inpatient chemotherapy use in EOCRC warrants further study to evaluate its clinical necessity and outcomes. These findings reinforce the need for targeted screening and inpatient care strategies for younger and underserved patient populations.