[Dynamics of occurrence and mortality in colorectal carcinoma in the community around Osijek]

The extent and dynamics of the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma were analysed in all the communes of the region of Osijek during the period from 1968 to 1982. The age and sex of patients, geographical distribution and other factors which might have influenced the colorectal carcinoma occurrence were taken into consideration. The dynamic of the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma was analysed by the method of regression. The incidence of the carcinoma of the large bowel in the region of Osijek in 1982 was between 10.3% and 33.7% per 100,000 inhabitants. In most communes the incidence was between 20.9% and 28.1%. During the period from 1968 to 1982 there was an increase in the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma in all communes, with the exception of the commune of Slavonska Orahovica which is one of the most undeveloped areas in the region. A significant increase of the new cases of colorectal carcinoma was recorded in the communes of Beli Manastir and highly significant increase in the communes of Djakovo, Podravska Slatina, Slavonska Pozega and Vukovar. During the same period there was an evident increase in the mortality rate from colorectal carcinoma in all the communes in the region of Osijek. The rate was 22.2% per 100,000 inhabitants which represents 1.9% of overall mortality or 11.6% of the mortality from all malignant diseases in the region. With regard to epidemiological data and the authors' own investigations it has become obvious that more care and attention should be paid to the prevention of colorectal carcinoma as an integral part of the chronic disease prevention programme.