Context: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer worldwide with a low reported incidence in India. There is significant geographical variation in the incidence rates, and the presentation may also vary. There are few studies evaluating the clinical profile of CRC in Indian patients. There is significant geographical variation in the incidence rates, and the presentation may also vary. There are few studies evaluating the clinical profile of CRC in Indian patients. Aims: The aim was to access the clinico-pathological details of young patients with CRC in India and compare it with those of the reported literature. Settings and Design: single centre tertiary care centre, cohort study, observational study Methods and Material: All patients below 50 years of age who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in surgical units of Kasturba hospital, Manipal. Statistical analysis used: SPSS version 16. Results: One fifty three patients were studied in period of five years. The mean age was 37.6 years. Sixty percent were males. The commonest symptoms were rectal bleeding (60%), pain (44%), and altered bowel habits (26%), Sixteen percent of the patients had mucinous type. These patients have predominant peritoneal metastasis and right side preponderance. The median CEA level was 35.1 ng/mL. Most patients had localized or locally advanced disease. Twentyeight percent of the patients had metastatic disease. With liver being the commonest site of metastases (52%) followed by peritoneum and lung. More than eighty percent of the patients received treatment with a curative intent. We had younger patients, higher proportion of mucinous carcinomas, and more patients presenting with an advanced stage. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer in India differs from that described in the Western countries. Inadequate access to healthcare and socioeconomic factors may play a role in some of these differences.

Keywords: Colorectal Carcinoma; Young Adults; Adenocarcinoma; Mucinous Carcinoma.