[Colon and rectum neoplasms in Chile: epidemiological characteristics]

A rising incidence and mortality rate from cancer of the colon and rectum has been observed in some Chilean regions. An estimated 1.350 hospital admissions and 650 deaths occurred in the last decade. Cumulative risk for developing these lesions is estimated at 0.75% under 60 and 1.52% under 75 years of age. Mean age at presentation was 65 years for colon cancer and 63 for cancer of the rectum. Both sexes were equally affected. Valid survival studies are not available in Chilean literature. The relation of number of deaths and admissions per year was 78.5% for colon cancer and 28.9% for the rectum. From 1965 to 1985 an 83% increase in the prevalence of rectum cancer and 7% for colon cancer was observed. This trend was most marked in the Magallanes region. A family history appears as a significant risk factor (1.4 to 49.1 odds ratio). Borderline significance as risk factors was observed for obesity and meat and relish consumption. No effect of smoking, alcohol intake, history of lithiasis or exposure to asbestus or ionizing radiation was observed.