Title: Relationship between Demogaphic Characteristics, Lifestyle and Exposure to Stressor Events and Colorectal Cancer

colorectal cancer is considered as the most GI cancer.Although its cause is not definitely known, recognizing the relevant risk factors could reduce its incidence through preventive measures. The Purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between demographic characterisitics,lifestyle and exposure to stressor events and colorecatal cancer in Rasht, Iran. The present research was a case-control study in which 150 patients with colorectal cancer were chosen as the case group from educational and treatment centers of Rasht through the convenience sampling method(n=150, colon or rectal cancer Patients),while 150 healthy individuals were chosen as the control group through the random cluster method (n=150, healthy individuals) as control group.Data were collected by using a questionnaire which consisted of three parts:1) demographic data 2) lifestyle data 3) Holmes–Rahe social readjustment rating scale. For analyzing data, the descriptive and deductive statistics were used. Findings related to demographic variables show that there are a significant relationship between BMI (P<0.001), polip history (P<0.001), Inflammatory Bowel Disease history (P<0.001), diabetes (P<0.01), family history of colorectal cancer in first degree relatives (P<0.001) and this type of cancer.Regarding lifestyle variables,results indicate that there are a statistical difference between the two study groups with consideration of smoking (P<0.01), eating fruits and vegetables (P<0.001), dairy products (P<0.025), red meat intake (P<0.001), defication status (P<0.001) and exercise (P<0.001). Also there was a significant difference between the said group's overall lifestyle(P<0.001). The analysis of stressful life events show that the average values of the case group are considerably higher than those of the control group and a statistically significant difference is observed.(T= 14.73, P<0.001). This study indicates significant difference between some demographic characteristics,lifestyle and the level of exposure to stressors events of colorectal cancer patients and healthy people.Results of this study and it's suggestions could be of great importance for healthcare workers and the general public,especially those who are succeptible to the said disease because they can provide more information about risk factors of colorectal cancer and its preventive measures.