Similar geographical distribution of multiple sclerosis and cancer of the colon

A search was made of all diseases listed in the Annual Statistics of the World Health Organization to determine if any disease had the peculiar geographical distribution of multiple sclerosis. Of the approximately 83 diseases listed, only cancer of the colon was similar in geographical distribution and in the slight preponderance of females dying with the disease. The epidemiology of both diseases is reviewed, particularly with regard to their appearance in certain migrant populations.