Is the clinicopathological pattern of colorectal carcinoma similar in the state and private healthcare systems of South Africa? Analysis of a Durban colorectal cancer database.

Previous state hospital-based local studies suggest varying population-based clinicopathological patterns of colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients diagnosed with CRC in the state and private sector hospitals in Durban, South Africa over a 12-month period (January-December 2009) form the basis of our study. Of 491 patients (172 state and 319 private sector patients), 258 were men. State patients were younger than private patients. Anatomical site distribution was similar in both groups with minor variations. Stage IV disease was more common in state patients. State patients were younger, presented with advanced disease and had a lower resection rate. Black patients were the youngest, presented with advanced disease and had the lowest resection rate.