Tumour location is a prognostic factor for survival in colonic cancer patients

To evaluate survival and prognostic factors in a consecutive series of colon cancer patients from a defined city population in Norway.

All patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon diagnosed between 1993 and 2000 were registered prospectively. Five-year actuarial survival and 5-year relative survival rates were calculated. Cox regression analyses were used to study the effect of prognostic factors on survival.

In the study period 627 patients were admitted. Overall 5-year relative survival was 50% in females and 52% in males. Five-year relative survival in 410 (65%) patients operated with curative intent, was 74% for females and 79% for males. Tumour location in the transverse colon, splenic flexure and descending colon (OR = 1.8), emergency operation (OR = 1.7), TNM stage (OR = 1.8-2.9), blood transfusion of more than two units (OR = 1.8) and age (OR = 4.0-7.1) were independent negative prognostic factors.

Colon cancer located in the transverse and descending colon is associated with poor prognosis. Comparison of results from different centres is difficult due to selection and classification differences, and different methods used for calculation of survival.