[Malignant neoplasms of the colon and rectum in the G.D.R. (author's transl)]

Data of the national cancer registry and the official death statistics are used to analyze the incidence and mortality of malignant neoplasms of the small intestine (ICD 152), the colon (ICD 153) and the rectum (ICD 154) in the German Democratic Republic. An apparent increase of age-adjusted incidence from 1956 to 1975 and of mortality from 1960 to 1970 can be explained by more complete reporting. A further increase of incidence from 1970 on is possible but not proved. There is no conclusive evidence that results of treatment have changed. An international comparison of incidence and mortality is difficult, since sources of information are not as reliable as generally assumed.