[Changes in epidemiological parameters in colorectal carcinoma in Basel 1970-1980]

In the Basel Cancer Registry, the age standardized incidence rate remained stable from 1970 to 1980: 54 to 60 in men, 33 to 34 in women. One third of all cancers are located in the right colon. The age specific incidence rate has not changed, the values being higher for men in every age group. Only 5% of patients are under 50 years old. In radically operated cancers the number of small primary tumors remained low: 17% were confined to the muscularis propria. During the same period (1970-1980) the proportion of cancers with regional lymph node metastases remained stable at 40%. Short term and long term survival depend on the nodal status. Adenomas accompanying invasive cancers are more frequently found in men (30%) than in women (20%).