Nutritional status and lifestyle risk factors associated with colorectal cancer: A case-control study at a tertiary cancer hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is a major public health concern in Asia, with a rapidly increasing incidence in Indonesia. This study aimed to examine the association between nutritional status and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors with colorectal cancer incidence at Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Indonesia. A hospital-based case–control study was conducted, which involved 74 participants, consisting of 37 colorectal cancer patients (cases) and 37 non-cancer controls. Data were collected between February and April 2025 through structured interviews, validated questionnaires, and medical record reviews. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests and logistic regression identified significant differences between cases and controls in age, smoking status, coffee consumption, and physical activity (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age ≥50 years was strongly associated with colorectal cancer risk (OR=8.255; 95% CI: 2.240–30.422), as was low physical activity (OR=4.122; 95% CI: 1.182–14.373). Coffee consumption showed a significant association with colorectal cancer, where consumption of 2–3 cups/day was inversely associated with risk (OR=0.054; 95% CI: 0.005–0.566), while lower levels of consumption (<1 cup/day) were associated with increased risk (OR=1.891; 95% CI: 0.280–12.771). These findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and nutritional management as part of colorectal cancer prevention strategies in Indonesia.