Incidence of colon cancer in Tianjin, China, 1981-2000

The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the incidence trend of colon cancer in Tianjin, China from 1981 to 2000. Tumour cases were coded by ICD-9 in this study. Incidence rates were calculated by five-year age-groups as well as sex and year of diagnosis. From 1981 to 2000, the total number of colon cancer cases ascertained in urban Tianjin was 4954, including 2547 males and 2407 females. 67.88% colon cancer cases occurred in the age group 55-79 and age specific incidence rate reached its peak in the age group 75-79. The mean incidence rate of colon cancer during the 20 years was 7.01/100000 and this rate had been increasing constantly from 1981 to 2000. The average age at diagnosis was 62.41 years. An ascending trend was observed in the mean age at diagnosis of colon cancer from 1981 through 2000. As for the sex ratio, there was no clear trend exhibited. The incidence trend of colon cancer during 1981 to 2000 in Tianjin warranted a further research on its risk factors and prevention warranted.