[Metachronous colorectal cancer]

The occurrence of metachronous colo-rectal cancer was investigated in 903 patients under the age of 40 years at the time of diagnosis of the primary cancer. A constant frequency of metachronous colo-rectal cancers was found and a cumulated incidence of 30% after an observation period of 41 years. Metachronous cancer of the colon was encountered most frequently in the right half of the colon regardless of the site of the primary cancer. On the basis of the above mentioned results, a life-long follow-up programme is recommended, consisting of regular examination for blood in the faeces and colonoscopy.